American automaker Jeep launched the 4th generation of the iconic Wrangler today. The new car features a host of visual and functional upgrades.

To begin with, the Wrangler’s original ‘Pentastar’ 3.6L V6 engine has been retired to make way for a more efficient 2L turbocharged inline-4 petrol version, that churns out the same 268hp and 400 Nm of torque. The humble five-speed manual transmission has been laid off in favour of a superior 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Off-roading capabilities to the new Wrangler are imparted by Jeep’s SelecTrac 4WD system that comes with a dedicated high and low driving mode, and two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive conversion with torque vectoring. This works in conjunction with improvements in dimensions and structural support. While the ground clearance has been increased to 215mm, the approach, break-over and departure angles are steep at 41.8, 21 and 36.1 degrees respectively. The car is sprung to gas struts and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

In terms of overall design, the exterior bears subtle design changes such as pronounced bends around the front grille to add to Wrangler’s legacy styling. The car is bigger than its predecessor on all three axes and has 61 mm added to its wheelbase for more space inside. However, Jeep’s signature styling elements such as exposed hinges, trapezoidal wheel arches, foldable front windshield and removable doors and roof panels for an open-air experience still remain constant.

Inside, the appeal of the all-black leather upholstery is accentuated by the use of contrast stitch and soft-to-touch materials. Jeep’s UConnect smartphone connectivity and navigation system is deployed through an 8.4-inch touch-enabled display. The driver’s console gets its own 7-inch module with scroll-through menus that can be handled from the steering wheel. Other features include an elaborate Alpine sound system with 9 speakers, an overhead soundbar, an all-weather subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier; dual-zone climate control, a weatherproof push-button for start-stop and remote key access and go features.

The new Wrangler is loaded with as many as 70 safety and convenience features, some of which include a rear parking assistance system, ESC, electronic body roll mitigation, ABS, traction control and a stronger and lighter steel-aluminium spaceframe. Apart from a dedicated cargo management system, storage bins and cubbies have been located at various places for convenience.

The Wrangler shall be brought to India as a Completely built unit (CBU) and shall retail at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 63.94 lakh.