A surprising drivetrain
Powering all Wrangler models is a 3.8 litre V6 which sends 202 horsepower to a 4x4 transfer case via a four-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. The tester got the slick six-speed manual shifter, which allows gears to be swapped up at under 2,000 revs to optimize fuel mileage. It's a long throw, but shifting is a pleasure with a smooth lever action and light clutch feel.

The engine makes scarcely a peep and proves surprisingly quiet and refined for its application. Mileage averaging about 13L / 100km is well within acceptable limits for a machine with these intentions, too.

On the road
Wrangler's short wheelbase, high ride, and body-on-frame construction create a jiggly and nervous character over bumpy surfaces. Additionally, the front wheels are connected via a solid front axle, so there's little precision and sharpness to the steering at speed. The whole setup is tough as nails and enables plenty of ground clearance, though the ride may take some first-time Jeepers a bit of getting used to.

Wrangler is easy to park, as it steers on a dime- though you'll need to get the mirrors set up just right due to limited rearward visibility. Minor issues, and redemption comes twofold when the road beneath gives way to dirt and mud.

The tester was a Wrangler X with a few add-ons courtesy of a comprehensive preferred equipment package.

Off-road
This thing goes anywhere. The rock-solid underside and low-range transfer case enable crawling, climbing and mud-flinging with confidence where lesser cute-utes dare not tread.

Four wheel drive is activated by a quick tug on a lever, and the stability control can be disengaged almost fully when wheelspin is required to free oneself from a mud-rut or deep sand. Should that not work, have a fellow Jeeper tie onto one of your tow-hooks for a swift tug out.

Ground clearance wasn't an issue on my watch either- even with the suspension flexed out on tricky cambers or while teetering over the tops of steep hills. Don't try this in your CR-V or Rav-4, as you'll need an expensive trip to the shop afterwards.

Feel free to head out for a Saturday afternoon mud-run with your local Jeep club, however. You'll leave grinning at the Wrangler's ability to cross water, navigate steep grades and fling turf into delightful rooster-tails. Afterwards, head to the coin-wash with a roll of loonies, then meet your new buddies for hours of storytelling in the coffee-shop parking lot.

Muck for the buck
In addition to being a real looker of a machine, Wrangler is also the least expensive convertible on the road- with a standard soft-top that peels away for open-air motoring.

Add the automatic entry to an exclusive owner's community, wintertime capability, camp and cottage readiness and Wrangler's willingness to tow small trailers, and you'll find bang for the buck that's just off the charts for active and outdoorsy types.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard, Chris Koski