Jeep's back-to-basics Wrangler upgraded

Healthier output from the diesel engine option and a new interior mark the revised Jeep Wrangler for 2011
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The Wrangler has finally joined the rest of the automotive world -- in the 21st Century. With its upgraded interior, the iconic Jeep model is much improved, based on a brief glimpse of the Wrangler for 2011 during the launch of the new Grand Cherokee.

It's the new dashboard that leaves the strongest impression, but the revised Wrangler also features new storage areas, a restyled multi-function steering wheel -- leather-bound -- and upmarket fabrics and plastics. As standard, the Wrangler gains heated door mirrors, and this vehicle, released in Jeep's 70th anniversary year, comes with a metallic strip bolted to the front passenger grab handle and emblazoned with the etched legend: 'Jeep, since 1941'.

The 'Freedom Top' three-piece hardtop option offers better rearward vision through larger windows. NVH has been reduced in the Wrangler's cabin and the 2.8-litre CRD turbodiesel, which is now Euro 5-compliant, develops 147kW of power -- 17kW more than last year's model. When specified with the six-speed manual transmission, the turbodiesel variants come with 'Start-Stop' that shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stopped in traffic.

Jeep dealers already hold stocks of the 2011 model Wrangler and offer a range of new colours, including: Mango Tango, Deep Cherry Red, Cosmos Blue and Bright White.

"The iconic Jeep Wrangler just keeps getting better," said Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager of Marketing & Corporate Communications for Chrysler Australia. "While retaining unmatched off-road capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts a stunning all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features.  In addition, the optional turbodiesel engine has received a healthy power upgrade, yet with remarkably improved fuel economy that would raise the eyebrows of many hatchback owners."

Pricing for the 2011 Wrangler range is as follows:
Wrangler Sport
3.8L petrol, six-speed manual transmission $32,000
3.8L petrol, four-speed automatic transmission $34,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, five-speed automatic transmission $39,000

Wrangler Rubicon
3.8L petrol, six-speed manual transmission $42,000
3.8L petrol, four-speed automatic transmission $44,000

Wrangler Unlimited Sport
3.8L petrol, six-speed manual transmission $36,000
3.8L petrol, four-speed automatic transmission $38,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, six-speed manual transmission $42,000
2.8L CRD turbo diesel, five-speed automatic transmission $43,000

Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
3.8L petrol, six-speed manual transmission $46,000
3.8L petrol, four-speed automatic transmission $48,000

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