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THERE’S nothing quite like driving a legend … and even better when the latest Jeep Wrangler version adds a whole new dimension and more to the driving experience, writes Stan Szecowka.
I’m worried I might be a little biased because the Szecowka family once owned a beloved Jeep for more than seven years. I love the brand and this model is now cooler, both inside and out, than ever before.
Take the clever addition of roof insulation, for example, dropping the inside temperature from hot house to pleasant perfection in one simple stride.
Don’t just take my word for it, motoring critics from across the globe have been raving about the new Jeep Wrangler.
Replacing an automotive icon can be a tough task. Fix what needs fixing, enhance what needs enhancing, but don’t change so much that you alter what made it an icon in the first place.
This offering is ‘a textbook example’ of how to do it right, said autotrader.com’s James Riswick. Though the styling is instantly recognisable, the axles still solid and the multiple roof designs still removable, everything was meticulously reworked or reimagined to create a better Jeep Wrangler making it for ‘more comfortable and liveable for those with softer core requirements’.
It was clear the moment Behbehani Brothers’ sales manager Alaa Azzam showed me around the vehicle outside the Sitra showroom last Saturday morning, proud as punch and full of useful information about my four-door test vehicle, shining in all its stunning silver grey magnificence.
There are noticeable changes to the exterior with the windscreen angle at a slightly aerodynamic slant and the lights boast a modern look too but despite the subtle touches the meaty, dynamic grill makes the heart of all Jeep enthusiasts beat stronger.
The inside compares with equal elegance to the most expensive saloons on the road, let alone an off-road monster, and the seat was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slipped into.
“This Wrangler, this iconic Jeep, exists because it’s always existed, and this new one is the best one yet,” suggested motortrend.com. “No, Jeep faithful, they didn’t ruin it. They didn’t even make it just as good as the old one. They made it better in every way.”
It went on to praise how much ‘nicer’ the new Wrangler drives and its newfound interior quality. It’s not a word I’d use … it’s much better than that … let’s agree on irresistible!
Not-surprisingly, the Behbehani team is delighted with the response from reviewers and the new and existing fans clambering to book test drives as well as place orders. “It is with this clear objective that the iconic Jeep Wrangler has been completely renewed while remaining true to itself, with legendary off-road capabilities, authentic Jeep styling and advanced technology features,” said Sam Yacoub, GM of Behbehani Brothers, now the sole authorised distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles in the kingdom, as recently highlighted in MotoringWeekly.
“The result is the most capable Wrangler ever, courtesy of unmatched technical contents, which, depending on the trim, include two advanced four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems - Selec-Trac and Rock Trac, plus Tru-Lock electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
“From the roughest terrain to city streets, the new Jeep Wrangler is perfectly at ease, and delivers a more modern design, that stays true to the original, combined with more open-air freedom and advanced technology features in terms of safety and connectivity.”
Every Wrangler receives a ‘Trail Rated’ badge that proves its legendary 4x4 capabilities. Trail Rated performance is the result of a series of heavy tests performed in the following areas: traction, water fording, manoeuvrability, articulation and ground clearance.
Now available in Bahrain, the fourth generation is offered in three different trim levels: Sport, Sahara and Rubicon – all available in a two- or four-door configuration.
The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminium closures – including doors, door hinges, fender flares, windshield frame and magnesium swing gate – contribute to reduce the overall vehicle weight, improving its fuel efficiency too.
Jeep functionality and versatility are celebrated in the completely restyled centre console which houses the gear shift selection, transfer case and parking brake.
Making its debut is a push-button starter. The centre console features a standard 177.8mm touchscreen for Sport, Sahara and Rubicon – also available for Sahara and Rubicon is a 213.36 mm touchscreen - the latter being the largest and most advanced Uconnect display ever offered on a Wrangler.
The upgraded 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine delivers 285hp @ 6,400 rpm and 347 Nm of torque @ 4,100 rpm, powerful, responsive and an absolute joy to ride on the highway and safe as houses on the school run.
The new Jeep Wrangler, priced from BD12,799, is ready to write a new exciting chapter in the legendary history of the brand, a story which began in 1941.
It remains the undisputed off-road champion and is now equally a unique vehicle for everyday urban adventures.
For further information or to arrange a test drive of the all-new 2019 Jeep Wrangler, call Behbehani Brothers on 1745 9955.
