.jpg "Test jeep wrangler : a toy for adults")
Test jeep wrangler : a toy for adults
In the early 40-ies of XX century American forces got their
own copy of the order of the experimental wheel drive army truck with an open
body Bantam BRC. A year later, on its basis there were "grandparent"
of the current Jeep - Willys MA, and then upgraded Willys MB, which is produced
at Ford under the symbol GPW.
At the end of World War II Willys MB modified for civilian
use. In 1950, he assumed the official name of the Jeep (according to one
version - derived from the abbreviation GPW), although it was the name of the
people for a long time. By the time the SUV received index CJ (Civilian Jeep -
civilian jeep), becoming a donor for numerous family models, which lasted until
the mid-80s.
CJ's successor in 1987 became YJ, already known as the Jeep
Wrangler. Models are equipped with rectangular headlights in the spirit of his
time, and compared with the previous series, the new Wrangler looked mod that
is not particularly pleased with some loyal fans of the brand.
Round headlights are back cowboy (one of the meanings of the
word «Wrangler») in 1997 with the advent of a series of TJ, which was the
predecessor of the latest generation. Comparing the current angular ancestors c
Wrangler JK, hard to believe that it was he who among today's brothers in the
lineup most similar to the classic Jeep.
Against the background of Patriot and Renegade, places to
preserve the traditional style, it looks orthodox, not to mention the rest of
the clean-shaven and fashionably coiffed counterparts. Rectangular body, huge
angular arch extensions, tapering to the radiator hood, massive protruding
bumper, classic grille with 7 slots familial - mixed up with someone else, this
SUV is impossible. Today's the first time in the history of Wrangler is
available in the extended 4-door body - Rubicon Unlimited. It is in this form
to us to the test and got the soldiers.
Wrangler is not a frequent guest on our streets, so its
appearance in the flow licked "chisels" and "Soap" always
looks extravagant surprise. In the big city, he looks like a cowboy in the Wild
West in the crowd of office workers. For most of our motorists Wrangler pass
for a museum exhibit, where you can find some unique items. Why are such
curious atavism, like a pair of rim locks on the hood latches, hinges on the
doors of classic, massive door handles with round buttons. One eyesore - all
made of plastic, causing a feeling of some props.
No less controversial Wrangler and inside. Just before you
get to a salon, be taken into account in the clearance of 256 mm, a high
threshold and not very spacious doorway. Rear passengers should be careful when
entering and leaving not get dirty, hitting the rear wheel arch expander that
in inclement weather, as a rule, always dirty.
.jpg "Test jeep wrangler : a toy for adults")
Inside - a genuine Jeep-area: stressed kondovy interior,
vertical windshield, high "tractor" landing, angular raised panel
hypertrophied vents blowing, unusually limited area of glazing. Additional
exclusive interior - the massive arch frame, stretched along the perimeter of
the roof. When the inside is still possible to come to terms with the fact that
they eat up the extra space on top, then access to the trunk, into which a part
of the framework is divided by a horizontal crossbar, much more difficult.
The driver should get used to the fact that key windows are
located on the central part of the dashboard, and to turn the rear wiper, need
to feel your fingers switch in the middle of the Stalk - not too convenient. In
addition, parking close to the site should take into account a wide turning
radius, and also features SUV, especially the front part of it, as the driver
can not see any wheel arch extensions or a massive bumper, outstanding forward.
Add to this more limited visibility due to the small glass area, especially in
the rear. The luggage compartment offers 2 sitting - first separately hinged
lower part, and then the glass, folds up.
On the pavement Jeep, as one would expect, feels awkward
guest. RWD frame SUV with high ground clearance, high center of gravity and
body, deprived of aerodynamic refinements, not particularly polite to the
driver in an urban environment, as well as on the track. The situation is
aggravated driving completely empty, with which the car has to catch at high
speeds to keep the trajectory of motion.
But all sorts of things, and fool him enough for the eyes.
One feels that battle-worthy herd of 284 horses, prisoners in a 3.6-liter
V-shaped "six" ready to carry on its way everything. Only you need to
do before the end drown the gas pedal to the floor, but, unfortunately, 5-speed
transmission does not shift gears in a hurry too, with a delay in response to
manipulation of the accelerator. In this case, it is very sensitive gas pedal,
so that even with a light touch of her spike wheel nervously break in a
slipping.
To achieve adequate acceleration, it is necessary to adapt
to the operation of the transmission, dosing off the gas pedal, which is long
enough for off-road course. Acceleration explosive and impulsive. Herd wakes up
in an area of 3,000 rpm, the thrust increases rapidly, closer to 6000, with
good hear roaring all these horses. But, fortunately, only the motor sings
here. Despite the particular angular body, you can not hear the oncoming wind,
do not pester and noise of the wheels, so soundproofed Americans coped with
"excellent". But it is better in a hurry.
Chassis high speed translates the slightest flaws coverage,
but at overcoming major bumps and "speed bumps» Wrangler with its
energy-intensive suspension behaves very collected. The steering is not very
informative, so that at high speeds should be careful. In this case, the car
strikingly gives a feeling of inexplicable joy and freedom, and these feelings
are multiplied many times when heading off the asphalt.
After leaving the concrete civilization and appeared on a
live snow, Wrangler turns into a faithful horse, ready to go over rough terrain
ahead and together with the owner to enjoy Mother Nature. With its geometric
cross, high ground clearance, forced-wheel drive, differential lock and
"ponizhaykoy" nothing to him any potholes or bumps, no holes, no mess
of mud and snow. Full speed ahead!
He excitedly cope with impressive snowdrifts, raking the
snow like a bulldozer. Forcing on the down steep hills covered with snow, he
himself lays track, clinging to her as much as possible all 4 wheels. If by
pressing unlock mechanism front anti-roll bar, it will not be easy to persuade
to hanging wheels, since the angles of crossing axes significantly increased,
providing maximum traction.
Wrangler in our environment - the perfect ride for recreation.
He has everything to win the heart of a young student and romantic, and the
mother of an old hunter. However, this is really amazing charisma once combat
unit cost quite expensive. Minimum price Rubicon Unlimited version at the
moment - 2 650 000 rubles, top configuration will cost 3.05 million rubles.
Prices, as you can see, space, given a lot of exclusive details, which still
need to get used to. Add to this more fuel consumption, which amounted to a
combined cycle 21 liters on "hundred". Not too optimistic .
Moreover, it should take into consideration the fact that
the bonnet on the SUV can be opened in your absence of any passer by using the
above-mentioned lock-latches. So, in order to protect themselves from theft
battery Wrangler owners have to pay extra for the installation of an additional
locking device. As a result, issued very clear picture that explains why in our
market the car is not earned special
Standard equipment Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited includes fog
lights, cruise control, airbags for driver and passenger, 5-speed automatic
transmission, system of care when driving downhill and uphill, audio system
with 6 speakers, 16-inch wheels, wheel drive system Command-Trac and others.
The first among its competitors naturally arises Land Rover
Defender 110, which will soon leave our market. Its price starts at 1.99
million rubles for the 122-hp diesel version. Mitsubishi Pajero cost of
1,719,000 rubles for the version with 178 hp petrol unit. Chevrolet TrailBlazer
starts from 1,309,000 rubles for the 180-hp diesel equipment. As you can see,
in comparison with competitors price of this American adult toys rolls.