Under the skin is Jeep’s CommandTrac 4×4 system driving both live axles. The switchable four-wheel drive system allows for some fun when the surface isn’t too demanding. In the rear-wheel-drive mode the car pulls cleanly and acceleration is brisk from the big V6, with 100 km/h coming up in less than 10 seconds. However, under braking and in the corners, it can be, let’s say, difficult. Being essentially an off-road vehicle means its highway manners will provide for an engaging drive indeed and you will have your hands full. Body-roll is one thing, but the sliding is something else altogether. But even though it behaves like a young girl who has put on stilettos for the very first time each time on the highway, it is without doubt an extremely fun vehicle to have; one which makes every drive an experience.
Step on to the dirt, though, and the experience gets transformed altogether. You get an adept terrain-muncher which digs its claws into dirt and straddles every rock formation with aplomb. It’s as sure-footed as a lizard on an apartment wall and responds to changes in direction on loose dirt or mud very well indeed. The rev-happy nature of the engine means that you get a surge of acceleration and with peak torque coming in at 4,300 revs, there is a strong band to play around with. The high ground clearance – 230-mm front and 223-mm rear – and the 35-degree approach angle make short work of obstacles, if any at all. Come to think of it, the state of our roads, with deep potholes and sudden changes in road shoulder levels make it a handy vehicle in the city as well. Unless you’re navigating through a forgotten trail or an off-road challenge, you never really have to worry about damaging the vehicle. It is a muscular hulk, which has evolved over the years, and can take care of itself.
To sum up, the Wrangler Sport is one of a kind. It is a bigger, better and more exclusive Thar in essence. Another thing people might just be wondering about is the inevitable – fuel efficiency. For a compact, but considerably heavy vehicle, figures of 3.5 km/l in the city and 7 km/l on the highway, with an overall 4.4 km/l don’t seem too bad. It is, after all, a lifestyle vehicle, and it brings style and road presence like its daddy owned the store. This is one car which can clear a path with its don’t-mess-with-me attitude, and we absolutely love it for that.
This is one car which can clear a path with its don’t-mess-with-me attitude, and we absolutely love it for that
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
