ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE 2019 JEEP WRANGLER

The new 2019 Jeep Wrangler can trace its origins back to July 1940 when the U.S. military informed automakers that it was looking for a light reconnaissance vehicle to replace their motorcycle and modified Ford Model-T vehicles. The Army invited 135 manufacturers to bid on production, and developed a lengthy specification list for the vehicle, including the following, 600-lb. load capacity, wheelbase less than 75 inches, height less than 36 inches, smooth-running engine, rectangular-shaped body, four-wheel drive with two-speed transfer case, fold-down windshield, three bucket seats, blackout and driving lights and a gross vehicle weight below 1,300 pounds.
Willys-Overland and American Bantam Car Manufacturing Company were the only two companies answering the call. Soon the Ford Motor Company entered the picture, and competition began among the three over which company would receive the lucrative government contract. Each company produced prototypes for testing in record time.
Bantam’s chief engineer, along with a team of Bantam executives, worked out a design, and the company built its field car within 49 days. There followed further prototypes and eventually Willy-Overland won with the MA and subsequently the Jeep which everyone came to know.
The new Jeep Wrangler can be best described as a “go anywhere, do anything” vehicle which blends together excellent on-road performance, legendary off-road capability, and outstanding value for money.
The latest model is happy on city streets as it is off the beaten path and it brings together Jeep’s legendary off-road prowess, with superior on-road comfort, authentic style and state-of-the-art technology.

Now we have the most capable Wrangler ever, courtesy of unmatched technical content which, depending on trim, includes two advanced four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems, Command-Trac and Rock-Trac plus Tru-Lock electric front and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front anti-roll bar disconnect.
Amongst the changes for 2019 are new styling all round, giving a fresh appearance, a refreshed and updated interior with increased storage capacity, all-new engines, with a  2.2litre MultiJet II turbo diesel and two litre turbo petrol.
Also, the Wrangler gets new LED headlamps and rear lights, Uconnect 8.4-inch touch screen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and improved safety content, including Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView reverse camera, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and four standard air bags. Engineered to master the most challenging off-road tracks, the Wrangler is the result of more than 75 years of leadership in the development of 4×4 systems.
Looking at the four-wheel drive systems which are available: Command-Trac, on the Sahara and Overland trim level, and Rock-Trac, standard on Rubicon trim.
Both systems feature the new Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case for a continuous monitoring and management of the torque sent to front and rear wheels. And the 4×4 system operates in four driving modes: The new 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine features second-generation MultiJet technology, four valves per cylinder, a belt-driven Double Over Head Camshafts (DOHC), 2,000-bar Common Rail injection system, solenoid injectors and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and it delivers 200bhp at 3500 rpm and 450 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm. It also features fuel-saving Engine Stop Start (ESS) technology.
The two litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine delivers 272bhp at 5250 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm and features ESS and the new 2 petrol is available now.
Both engines make the vehicle compliant to the current Euro 6/D standards.
The new exterior design is bold and rugged with a wide stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility, especially out on extreme trails.
The only authentic full open-air 4×4 SUV available on the market, it offers various top combinations to ensure even more open-air freedom, including the Sky One-Touch power top, new Zipperless Premium Sunrider soft top and Freedom Top, a removable, three-panel hard top.
The interior combines authentic styling, versatility, functionality and intuitive feature use, in addition to a more stylish and comfortable cabin, thanks to the use of high-quality materials and finishes.
Functional features, including climate and volume control knobs, Engine Stop Start (ESS) control and media charging and connectivity ports are all sculpted for quick recognition and are easily within reach of the front-seat occupants.
Inboard and outboard circular HVAC vents are surrounded by a platinum chrome bezel for a precise and premium yet rugged appearance.
The instrument cluster features a seven inch thin-film transistor (TFT) information LED display. The display is full-colour and allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways.
Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions, allowing the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel at all times.
The new Wrangler is truly a vehicle for all seasons.

Ian Lynas