Currently in its fourth generation, the Jeep Wrangler is a mid-size four-wheel-drive off-road SUV that is a direct progression from the World War II Jeep and the CJ (Civilian Jeeps) produced by Willys, Kaiser-Jeep, and American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the mid-1940s through the 1980s.
The first Wrangler was announced in 1986. While outwardly resembling the CJ-7, the YJ, as it was designated, represented the first major Jeep design change in 20 years and the seventh generation of the original vehicle. It had a wider track, slightly less ground clearance, improved handling, and additional passenger comfort features.
In addition to the Wrangler name, each model received a designation corresponding to its generation: YJ (1986 to 1995), TJ (1997 to 2006, in essence, an update of the YJ), JK (2007 to 2018, a complete redesign), and the current JL model. The Wrangler has been powered by an array of engines, including petrol and diesel in-line fours, sixes, and V6s, but none with less than 2.2-litre displacement – until now.
This smallest mill ever used in a Wrangler, dubbed “Hurricane” after the engine used in the first CJs, was initially only offered in Europe, China, Singapore, and India. The 2.0-litre turbo engine is now available locally as well, and it could well be followed by a plug-in hybrid model – the Wrangler 4xe – with a lithium-ion battery pack used in conjunction with the 2.0-litre petrol powertrain.
Report by FERDI DE VOS
