Jeep Wrangler Rubicon What is it? It’s an off-road icon, it’s as simple as that really. But what exactly is an off-road icon? I guess a true 4x4 icon is a vehicle that is supremely capable off road first, then deals with tarmac afterwards, one that’s been around longer than I have and proven itself over and over again in a world full of harsh conditions. This niche collection of 4x4s would include the original Defender and Series vehicles, the Suzuki Jimny, Mercedes G-Wagen, and of course the Wrangler.
On the road I think I need to make an amendment to a previous review. When I drove the SWB Rubicon around Cumbria earlier on this year, I remember thinking that it felt taut and secure, I was genuinely quite surprised by its on-road manners. On reflection, I was driving quite sedately along narrow Cumbrian roads so it wasn’t much of a test. Getting behind the wheel of the 5-door for a whole week with a large dosage of road miles thrown in, and I’ve to revised my conclusion a little.
But these days, with modern technology and electronic witchcraftery, do we really need a hardcore 4x4 when something like a Discovery 5 or Grand Cherokee will take you to unfordidden places in comfort? Is there a need for the Wrangler Rubicon is todays motoring world?
There was a certain vagueness in the steering, and compared to my 1996 Toyota Surf which is shod with the same BFG KM3 mud terrains, it’s noisier too, and not just tyre noise. I found the 200bhp 2.0ltr diesel a bit on the loud side, and it isn’t the slickest from start, but driving at around 50mph and accelerating
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THE MUD LIFE MAGAZINE
