Date Published: 17th December 2010
Shortly before Jeep became part of the Fiat empire, a huge increase was announced in the UK Wrangler range. But with the change of ownership, that’s been quietly forgotten, and now all we’re left with is the Ultimate edition that was introduced a year back to try and shift stock.
Unanimously, our testers cried out for Fiat not to let the Wrangler slip away. It’s at the heart of what Jeep is – and after two false starts, the current model is a good car, too.
That’s not to say it’s the most practical, though, with a fair-sized cubby box about it for usable oddment stowage. The dash has a tough, functional charm, though, and is very clearly laid out.
In the back, our testers were impressed with the legroom in the five-door Unlimited model, if not the view out over the rather high waistline. The three-door version is very cramped, though; here, it’s best regarded as a 2+2.
Neither is a genius at carrying cargo, but the Unlimited does have a lot of space. Our testers would have liked to see it being used more cleverly, though, as the rear seats don’t fold fully flat and, though there’s a useful hidden compartment beneath the floor, the side-hinged door kept swinging shut in the wind.
Next - To Drive Jump: 1. To Live With 2. To Drive 3. Verdict
