Jeep Wrangler Unlimited review, test drive

Fiat-Chrysler is bringing iconic American brand Jeep back to India. The first two models to arrive in our showrooms will be the Grand Cherokee SUV and the Wrangler off-roader.

The Wrangler Unlimited, right from the chassis to the plethora of equipment, is a thoroughbred off-roader. Jeep plans to offer the five-door version of the Wrangler powered by a 2.8-litre diesel motor paired to a five-speed automatic gearbox.

We got our hands on the Wrangler Unlimited Overland Sahara. As its incredibly cool name suggests, it is an unashamedly rugged off-roader that has plenty of character. By that we mean it can be crude but completely lovable, in a Harley Davidson, Zippo lighter kind of way.

What we loved about it the instant we laid eyes on it, though, are its timeless looks – you’ll see all the Jeep design traits we know and which have influenced so many SUVs today – seven-slat grille, big fenders – front and rear, clamps to hold the bonnet down, exposed door hinges and a tailgate-mounted spare.

Under its rugged exterior is a body-on-ladder-frame chassis that has live axles at both ends. Suspension is by way of coil springs and leading arms and, unlike the Cherokee, there’s a reassuringly mechanical four-wheel-drive setup.