Jeep Wrangler - Is it a car you should be buying?

There are very few names in the automotive industry which have managed to accumulate a cult fan-base over the past few decades. Harley Davidson takes this spot in the motorcycling segment, while the passenger car segment has always been dominated by Toyota, both in sales and fan density. But there's one brand that enjoys a moniker strength that is unmatched in the industry. The American off-road vehicle manufacturer, Jeep, was founded back in the year 1941, and has since then developed vehicles that have broken strength and achievements of their own predecessors. Currently operating under the umbrella of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, Jeep currently sells six models in 93 countries across the globe. Over the years, the brand has encountered such huge success, that its name has become a synonym for off-road vehicles. And if there is one car in the manufacturer’s current portfolio that can be given due credit for Jeep’s success-run, it is a lightweight off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler carries with itself a legacy of more than 30 years, and is often referred to as the sole reason of Jeep’s legendary success in the off-road industry.

You might think why we have suddenly gone all oo-la-la about the Jeep brand. Well, the American off-road vehicle manufacturer has recently showcased it new 5-door Jeep Wrangler at the 2016 Manila International Auto Show. Slated for a launch later this year, the Wrangler has become a hot pick in most Filipinos’ bucket lists. But we at CarBay provide you an in-depth analysis, that gives you all the right reasons that make the Jeep Wrangler a not so suitable pick for your needs!

Size

The Wrangler is a massive car. With dimensions scaled at 4683 mm X 1872 mm X 1844 mm (L x W x H), the Wrangler is a pain to drive in city traffic, and when you arrive at your destination, parking it can get ever worse.

Practicality

In addition to the aforementioned issue of dimensions, the Wrangler isn’t really a practical car. The suspension has been tuned for off-road purposes, and hence road-stability is affected adversely. The wrangler can indeed get a bit unsettled at high speeds, while cornering is something this vehicle is not at all comfortable at. The slightest of road undulations can be a tricky affair for your spine. The steering is one of the weekest parts of the Wrangler. The dead zone in the centre makes the driver struggle a lot to keep the vehicle pointed in a straight direction, especially during windy days.

Fuel Economy

Frankly, with a 3.6-litre V6 engine churning 285 horses from beneath the Wrangler’s hood, fuel economy is something you just can’t demand from this Jeep SUV. But even by the standard of such heavy engined cars, the Wrangler disappoints with its fuel guzzling character. An economy of 8 kmpl on the highway can still be beared with, but when it drops to just 3-4 kmpl in city traffic, the Wrangler can be termed as a drilling machine in its owner’s pocket.

Don’t get us wrong, there are multiple strengths of the Jeep Wrangler that are the reason behind its unprecedented success. But this success often misleads prospective customers to buy one for themselves, without understanding what the Wrangler is made to do. It just isn’t an everyday city commuter. So who should buy the Wrangler? Well, if you are someone that likes to tread the road less taken, to explore untouched territories, and to take your vehicle to its rugged edge, clench your cheque-book and rush to the nearest Jeep outlet, as there is just nothing that can beat the Wrangler in these parameters.

Also Read: 2016 SUV Catalogue, Launched & Soon to Arrive : Read Before You Buy