George, Eastern Cape – The refined, yet “not afraid to get dirty” authentic Jeep® styling of the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is precise with clean, crisp lines and improved fit and finish. More than 127 mm wider overall, 89 mm wider in track, and 130 mm longer, Wrangler boasts greater stability, better interior ergonomics and takes on a dramatically overall brawnier appearance.
“When people think of Jeep, they immediately think of the Wrangler,” said Guy Franken, manager marketing, DaimlerChrysler South Africa Chrysler division. “So it was crucial to give the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler a modern, yet evolutionary design that communicates the brand’s heritage as well as the vehicle’s ultimate capabilities.
“The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler features the same taut lines, angles and surface details, along with a wider, brawnier stance that creates a unique and authentic on- and off-road Jeep presence,” added Franken.
Instantly recognisable as the original Jeep
With one glance, several Jeep-signature design cues – hallmark seven-slot grille, round headlamps and an upright rectangular windshield – make it clear, Wrangler is a Jeep.
Flanking the grille are all-new headlamps that are sealed and utilise 20 % brighter halogen bulbs. Below the grille is a new blow-molded bumper with integrated fog lamps. The bumper provides improved energy absorption and, combined with a new air dam underneath, better aerodynamics.
Wrangler’s flat, clam-shelled hood intersects new trapezoidal fender flares, which appear as separate fender components – similar to some of the first civilian-model Jeeps. More resistant to dents and corrosion, the new fenders are bolted on and may be removed for customisation.
Retaining its classic, rugged and purposeful appearance, Wrangler features signature exposed hardware including hood latches, footman loop and folding windshield bumpers. Forged door and windshield hinges are exposed and feature a precise, modern and machined look.
For the first time Wrangler features a curved windshield – meeting a key objective to reduce wind resistance and improve interior sound levels. In addition, the interface between the windshield and the roof is repositioned to improve airflow, reduce wind noise and create a better weather seal.
Wrangler features new sheet metal with a slight crown, resulting in a stronger, more robust appearance.
Full-framed doors are removable and feature power windows and door locks on Sahara and Rubicon versions – a Wrangler first. Wrangler Sport features half-framed doors with detachable plastic side windows that can be fully removed or simply unzipped. Doors include the traditional check straps, which also house wiring for optional power door features.
Wrangler is equipped with new blow-molded step assists that are mounted to the body and feature a diamond plate texture on the surface. For added body protection, Rubicon models come standard with heavy-duty rock rails.
From the exposed fuel-filler cap to the externally mounted spare tyre, the rear of the Wrangler maintains its rugged appeal. New taillamps are mounted separately from the body – a traditional Jeep Wrangler trait – and are reminiscent of the 1941 Jeep Willys’ taillamps.
An all-new, three-piece modular hardtop system features three panels – left and right-passenger panels and a rear panel – providing more options for open-air driving. The hardtop’s sharp angles and taut lines create a clean, modern form.
Also available in the Wrangler is the innovative Sunrider™ soft top, which includes a “sun roof” feature in addition to the full top-down option. This soft top gives a second open-air option by folding the soft-top back completely over the driver and front passenger.
With nine exterior colors offered and 16 or 17-inch wheels, Wrangler provides a customised appearance for a variety of customers.
Rugged, yet refined interior
The interior design of the Wrangler draws from the exterior, with a straightforward, athletic expression that delivers a new level of comfort, spaciousness and convenience. The use of round elements and crisp chamfered surfaces is evident throughout the cabin, creating a consistent and precise appearance.
Featuring a front-seat area with 1.56 m3 of space – an increase of 0.14 m3 – Wrangler provides 130 mm more shoulder room and 117 mm more hip room. New front seats that are more sculpted and conforming to the body provide substantial support and a driver’s seat height adjuster is available for optimised seat position and comfort.
Wrangler Sport features Everest/Wallace II cloth two-tone seats whilst the Sahara and Rubicon models feature Canyons/Racine cloth with “YES” Essentials fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellant textile.
Rear seats comfortably seat two adults with 99 mm more shoulder room, 41mm more hip room and 25mm more leg room than the 2007 Jeep Wrangler’s predecessor. A fold-and-tumble feature frees up additional storage capacity.
Featuring medium slate grey for all model derivatives, Wrangler utilises new grain patterns delivering a technical appearance with geometric themes, complementing its rugged exterior. Wrangler’s doors include an armrest for comfort and the trim covers only the mechanical sections of each door. Sills feature a black kickboard with a diamond plate texture, and sheet metal on the doors is carried through to the inside of the vehicle.
The instrument panel includes four round airflow vents, four speakers and a 32 % larger locking glove box. Wrangler’s tweeter speakers are located on top of the instrument panel and face each opposing occupant for optimal left and right-channel clarity. An all-new analog instrument cluster with four gauges encompasses a technical aviation appearance.
With the technical appearance of a stereo rack, Wrangler’s centre stack provides easy-to-reach controls for audio system, airconditioning, power windows and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) switch. An optional 368-watt stereo with navigation system will be available later on in the year. All radios feature an auxiliary jack for portable MP3 compatibility.
The centre console continues with a similar technical approach established by the centre stack with a centralised parking brake handle, lockable storage bin with lid and adjustable cup holders for front and rear-seat passengers.
In the cargo area, Wrangler provides a lockable, under-floor storage bin, which may be used to stow rope, gloves, a small first-aid kit or other items.
Rugged pricing to match
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler will be available immediately in the following variants:
- Wrangler 3.8l Sport, six-speed manual – R219 900
- Wrangler 3.8l Sahara, six-speed manual – R259 900
- Wrangler 3.8l Sahara, four-speed automatic – R269 900
- Wrangler 2.8l CRD Sahara, five-speed automatic – R289 900
- Wrangler 3.8l Rubicon, six-speed manual – R284 900
All Chrysler group products come standard with a 3-year / 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan.
