Jeep Wrangler Rubicon trim’s mechanical changes make for improved off-road capabilities. With Wrangler launch here is expected in Q3 2019, its the Unlimited and Sahara variants that are likely to be launched first, followed by the Rubicon. It is the latter which has now been spied on test by automotive enthusiast Prathamesh Giramkar, while it was on test by ARAI.
With spyshots doing the rounds, the new sighting is that of the 3-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon trim. While it’s key boxy design elements have been retained over the years, in its current avatar, Rubicon features LED headlamps, and taillamps, alloy wheels, and reworked bumpers. The SUV on test sports Rubicon decals on the hood, and off-road tyres.
The variant sold overseas features a LCD instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Ground clearance is pegged at 276mm (10.9 inches), and water-wading depth at 762mm.
As with top variants, Rubicon features additional off-road features compared to other trims. This includes Rock-Trac 4×4 system, front/rear locking differentials, Dana 44 heavy-duty axles, and a front sway bar disconnect system. All-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has an approach angle of 44 degrees, break-over angle of 27.8 degrees, and departure angle of 37 degrees.
At present Wrangler is available in India, and gets power from a 2.8-litre diesel engine that returns 200PS of power, and 460Nm of torque. The 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine returns 283 PS of power, and 347 Nm of torque. Available at present in a price range of Rs 58.74 – Rs 67.60 lakh (ex-showroom Pune), in its new Rubicon avatar, expect the vehicle to be a tad bit pricier.
Engine use could see the 3.0-litre V6 diesel that returns 263 PS of power and 600 Nm of torque, and a 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that returns 289 PS power and 352 Nm of torque being put on duty. They are likely to be mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. While Wrangler attracts its fair share of attention, in India it has met with limited success considering it is the smaller Jeep Compass SUV that is a household name here. On that front, Jeep India has been gearing up for the Compass Trailhawk launch.
