One of the most hardcore off-roading machines in the World, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is now available in India. Introduced in its 5-door form, deliveries begin on March 15, 2020, and the Wrangler Rubicon has been priced at ₹68.94 lakh (all-India price). The model was launched in the country after potential owners displayed unprecedented interest and Jeep India registered numerous pre-orders.
The Wrangler Rubicon exemplifies Jeep’s legendary 4×4 capability. Like all Wrangler models across the world, the Rubicon is Trail Rated with a badge indicating that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, manoeuvrability, articulation and water fording. Rubicon is the most powerful and the most efficient Wrangler ever made with vastly improved on-road manners for everyday driving.
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The Rubicon is equipped with Jeep RockTrac 4×4 all-wheel drive (AWD) system which features a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 “4LO” low-range gear ratio and full-time torque management to ensure optimal grip in low traction conditions and also features heavy-duty, next-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio are standard as are TruLock electric front and rear axle differentials. The Rubicon offers significantly improved articulation and total suspension travel versus the previous generation, with the help of an electronically operated Sway Bar disconnect which enhances its capability, especially in extreme off-roading conditions.
Compared to the Wrangler Unlimited, the Rubicon stands taller with a ground clearance of 217 mm and has a larger approach, break-over and departure angles; black, trapezoidal fender flares, hood decal, rock rails, 17-inch alloys with off-road spec tyres and an abundance of heavy-duty 4×4 hardware under its signature Jeep retro exterior. The Rubicon is immediately recognizable with its traditional Jeep design cues. The keystone-shaped legendary seven-slot grille that pays homage to the Jeep CJ and is gently swept back for improved aerodynamics and its outer slats intersect with the round reflector LED headlights.
Forming a halo around the headlights are the LED Daylight Running Lamps (DRL). The lighting package also features LED front fog lamps and traditional square tail lamps with LED lighting. The Rubicon is designed to offer open-air freedom with a fold-down windshield and removable hard roof and doors that can be as easily dismantled and refitted, a feature that has remained constant on every Wrangler ever made. The SUV is offered in five colours: Firecracker Red, Billet Silver, Black, Bright White and Granite Crystal.
Inside, Jeep functionality and versatility are celebrated in the centre console and distinguished with metal-plated accents. The redesigned centre console houses the leather-wrapped gear selector, transfer case and parking brake. Real bolts featured on the shifter, grab handles and frame of the infotainment highlight genuine construction methods. Occupants can enjoy Jeep branded leather seats, a soft-touch premium leather dashboard, ambient lighting, a fourth-generation 8.4-inch UConnect Infotainment touch screen with a drag-and-drop menu, including Apple Car Play, Android Auto and a built-in, pinch-to-zoom navigation feature. Phone, media, climate and navigation can be controlled by voice at the press of a button on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Standard features like engine stop/start and the cruise control can also be controlled from the steering wheel. The 7-inch driver multi-information display in the centre of the instrument cluster shows scrollable data that can be accessed from the steering wheel. The Rubicon also comes with weather-proof push-button start, dual-zone air conditioning and remote key ‘Enter and Go’ features. Sound is delivered by an Alpine music system with nine speakers enhanced by an overhead soundbar, all-weather subwoofer and 552-watt amplifier.
Powering the Wrangler Rubicon is a 4-cylinder, DOHC, inline, turbocharged 2.0-litre 268 HP 400 Nm petrol engine, which is tuned to perform like a V6, delivering torque like a diesel engine and at the same time, ensure much better fuel efficiency than a larger capacity engine. It features a twin-scroll, low inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate for exceptional responsiveness and performance while traversing on different terrain. The turbo is mounted directly on to the cylinder head to improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger. This 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine is matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission which delivers a crawl ratio of 77.2:1.