KEY POINTS:
An off-road vehicle with a strong diesel engine and space for the family - you'd think that would be an obvious combination, but it's taken Jeep 65 years to get there with the Wrangler.
Still, the new 2.8-litre Common Rail Diesel (CRD) Wrangler Unlimited is a welcome addition
to the range, both performance and styling-wise.
The CRD mill has more torque and a better automatic transmission than the 3.8-litre V6 petrol version. The Unlimited's unashamedly boxy shape and extended wheelbase look the business, much more macho than the short-wheelbase two-door. The factory-order solid "Freedom Top", which fits over the standard canvas roof, adds even more visual drama.
We did the off-road thing during Jeep's launch programme for Wrangler earlier this year. Naturally, it was capable of amazing things in the rough, but it's now time to find out what the Unlimited is like as an everyday car.
So here's the verdict - hopelessly flawed, utterly enjoyable.
The Unlimited is slow from take-off, loud at speed and wobbles through bumpy corners enough to make you thankful the new version is fitted with a stability control system.
But that's one of the refreshing things about this Wrangler, there's absolutely no compulsion to go fast. The lazy diesel chugs away, you ease the thing through turns because you really have no choice, and other road users accord you maximum respect - not to mention plenty of space on the road - because you're making such a massive visual statement.
This is not a humourless high-riding wagon like a Grand Cherokee - the Wrangler Unlimited is fun and everybody around you seems to agree.
The Unlimited is barely less capable than the two-door version in the rough, but brings massive benefits on-road since the very long wheelbase eliminates the horribly choppy ride of the smaller vehicle.
But make no mistake, it's still no Mercedes-Benz over rippled, urban surfaces. The sheer width of the Wrangler also creates a few parking dramas, so it's not always a terribly user-friendly town car.
But boy, is it cool, which is saying something because I've always thought the Wrangler two-door was a bit camp and cheesy. I love the Hummer-esque profile of the Unlimited and the spacious rear seat, with the added bonus that you don't have to worry about the kids bouncing out on to the road like you do in the low-waisted two-door.
The interior is as rough and ready as the chassis - rock-hard plastics everywhere and more than a few ergonomic eccentricities. There's an appalling lack of attention to detail about the place as well.
You've almost forgiven the cheap materials and ill-fitting panels, but then you notice that there's hardly any handspace between the indicator stalk and instrument binnacle, or that the glass rear window on the (admittedly optional) hard-top can't be opened unless you swing the tailgate-mounted spare wheel out of the way first.
In summary the Wrangler is cheaply made, archaic-looking and designed for off-road use with little regard to on-road competence.
And really, it'll be a sad day when those priorities are any different. The image and credibility of Jeep's most famous and enduring model rest entirely on its two-fingers-to-fashion looks and awesome off-road ability.
It's a slice of the past, a man-sized Tonka Toy. So if you want something a bit smoother and more modern, go buy a Grand Cherokee.
But if you want the coolest Jeep on sale and to cruise around in a chilled-out manner, the Unlimited is the one. I love it.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
We like: Looks the business, spacious rear seat, immune to automotive fashion.
We don't like: Out of its element on sealed roads, woeful cabin design.
The Facts
Basic price: $55,990.
Options fitted: Freedom Top $1490.
Price as tested: $57,480.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
Powertrain And Performance
Engine: 2777cc turbo diesel four.
Power: 130kW at 3800rpm.
Torque: 410Nm at 2000-2600rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed automatic with low-range transfer, part-time shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive.
ADR fuel consumption: 9.7 litres per 100km.
Safety
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control, roll mitigation.
Passive restraints: Front and side airbags, five lap-sash seatbelts.
EuroNCAP occupant crash test rating: Not tested.
Vital statistics
Wheels and tyres: 16-inch alloy, 245/75 tyres.
Length: 4676mm.
Height: 1814mm.
Width: 2104mm.
Wheelbase: 2947mm.
Kerb weight: 1875kg.
Boot volume: 1313/2324 cubic centimetres.
Fuel tank: 67 litres.
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