Amazing what two more doors can do

Not a single vehicle on the road is as familiar as the Wrangler. I'm not talking about prestige here, but respect and admiration. The Wrangler is a cult truck, and I don't know anybody who doesn't like it.

The Wrangler in all its glory.

It's funny to realize how many things we tolerate in a Wrangler that we'd simply not accept in any other vehicle; noise, on-road manners, fuel consumption and virtually nonexistent practicality.

I think the 2007 Wrangler addresses a lot of shortcomings compared to last year's TJ, and the new four-door version will widen its customer base.

Good looks
No doubt, we won't confuse this vehicle with anything other than a Wrangler. Even with two extra doors hooked on it, its look is still utilitarian and robust. I think the front grille looks a little cheap since it's now made of plastic, but in general, I really like the both modern and retro appearance of this Jeep.

And when you're behind the wheel, don't forget to wave at other drivers of YJs, TJs and Wranglers as they pass by. They will surely wave back at you, if they don't do it first. It's like learning the secret handshake when becoming a member of an exclusive club; we feel like a member of the family... a very big family, that is. For those who are wondering, when I drove the Compass and Patriot, I got zero salutes from Jeep purists; I guess for them, they're not the real thing.

The hard top on my test model is split into 3 sections; two front panels can be removed pretty easily. However, the rear portion is much heavier and requires tools to take it off. In addition, the paint on these panels seems to get scratched pretty easily, too. At least we can catch some sunrays without taking the whole top off.

One of my colleagues told me that the door handle buttons require a 15-lb pressure to unlatch. Ladies, be careful you don't break your freshly-polished nails... My 4-year-old son had a hard time opening the doors from the outside; he had to use both thumbs and a little encouragement to succeed.

The Wrangler's ride is a bit awkward on pavement but everything changes when you leave the roads.

More-efficient powertrain
Purists went ballistic when they initially learned that the new Wrangler would inherit the Grand Caravan and Town & Country's 3.8-liter V6. I was also sceptic about it, but I must say that the engine does its job nicely. At least, it's a great improvement compared to the old inline-6 that guzzled down fuel like a raging alcoholic. My average of 13.9 L/100 km is much more acceptable than the 19.0 L/100 km I observed when I tested a TJ Rubicon back in 2005.

Despite being as aerodynamic as a brick, its fuel consumption remains acceptable.

We needed 14.3 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h; that's still as slow as the old model, but one must realize that the V6 doesn't have it easy, pushing a 4,292-lb (1,947-kg) vehicle that's not very aerodynamic. The engine is smoother and quieter, however; we can now have a conversation inside the Wrangler, even on the highway.

The Jeep handles okay, but obviously, we still must be prudent with this type of vehicle. Braking is fine in normal driving conditions, but other SUVs perform better during emergency stopping situations. The Jeep's ride has greatly improved on the highway, which was intolerable in the old TJ. The Unlimited model's longer wheelbase must help in that regard.

Go anywhere
Why beat around the bush, when you can just go over it? The Wrangler isn't scared of anything. We recently threw 6 SUVs onto the off-road course at Mecaglisse (www.mecaglisse.com), and the Wrangler went through every portion of it without even breaking a sweat.

Steep hills, streams, rough trails, the Sahara performed better than the rest of the gang, with the exception of the FJ Cruiser which proved to be about as capable as the Jeep.

At each step of the course, we'd send the Wrangler first: if it didn't clear the obstacle, the others wouldn't. The Jeep was our benchmark, which says it all, I think...

Taking a bath Jeep style.

Room for the family
While the old TJ wasn't really made for transporting several people, the new Unlimited model is. The Wranger's four doors now allow it to be considered as a main vehicle, not just an expensive weekend toy.

It may not be the most beautiful piece of art, but everything works fine.

Okay, the Wrangler is not about absolute comfort, but it's an improvement compared to the TJ. In back, three people will be rubbing shoulders, but for two, it's fine. Visibility is good all around, too. The dashboard is simple and straightforward. The sound system is mounted high to be easier to reach, and its sonority is beyond reproach.

Competition
The Wrangler Unlimited starts at $24,885, and the Sahara model tested here carries a $28,580 window sticker. Add the 4-speed automatic ($1,180), 6-CD/MP3 changer ($455), tow package ($350) and front side airbags ($395), and the total climbs to $30,960. That may sound like a lot for such a simplistic vehicle, but it's well-equipped and versatile.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is now the Wrangler's nemesis. With the automatic transmission, it starts at $30,990. Both models perform extremely well in the trails, but on the road, the FJ is more civilized and more powerful. However, the back seat of the Toyota is hard to access, and the vehicle suffers from poor outward visibility. Claustrophobics, beware.

Conclusion
Okay, Wrangler or FJ? Although my colleagues flip for the Toyota, I prefer the look and versatility of the Jeep. I would say that it's a question of feeling; I'm more at ease behind the wheel of the latter. And with two young children, the Unlimited is much more practical.

The Wrangler is obviously a step ahead of the TJ; it gains civility without sacrificing its main objective: getting us in the boonies to have some fun, and getting us out unscathed. But for an everyday vehicle, if you can, choose the Unlimited version.


Traditional Jeep look
Unbeatable off-road capability
Improved fuel consumption



Limited comfort on the road
Hard top gets scratched easily



Emergency braking should be better