Now that summer has arrived, do you want to stay inside the house or (try to) escape the heat? If you opt for the latter, official Jeep distributor Auto Nation Group (ANG) has the perfect getaway vehicle for you.
At the 2019 Manila International Auto Show, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was unveiled to the public. Present during the launch were ANG president Felix R. Ang and chief operating officer Francis Jonathan C. Ang, together with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Asia Pacific executives Steve Zanlunghi, head of Jeep brand for Asia Pacific; Mike Tsesmelis, managing director for Asia Pacific; and Isaac Yeo, country head for the Philippines.
The non-Rubicon Wrangler was introduced last March at the Jeep showroom, along with the surprise reveal of the Cherokee. Now the Wrangler version everyone has been waiting for is here.
Potential buyers have two engines to choose from: a 2.0-liter in-line turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (268hp, 400Nm), and a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline (286hp, 353Nm). Both powerpants get an eight-speed automatic transmission. Based on those specs alone, it’s clear that turbocharging is indeed the future. We’d gladly sacrifice (well, not gladly) 20hp in exchange for 47Nm of torque.
You will see that the Wrangler Rubicons have the ‘Trail-Rated’ badge, and this means that they have the Rock Trac 4x4 system and Tru-Lok locking differentials. On top of that there are skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, all-new front fascia, and available front and rear steel winch-ready bumpers. With 255/75 R17 tires, you can laugh at EDSA ruts—but better not tempt fate.
Despite the Wrangler Rubicon’s rugged persona, you don’t have to rough it when you’re in the cabin. The interior is finished in ‘high-quality’ materials that are pleasing to touch. Most important, it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Here are the prices for the 2019 Jeep Wranger Rubicon:
3.6-liter V6, four-door - P4.39 million
2.0-liter turbo, four-door - P4.49 million
3.6-liter V6, two-door - P3.99 million
2.0-liter turbo, two-door - P4.09 million
2019 also marks the 15th year that ANG has been officially distributing Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM products in the Philippines, and the all-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is fitting tribute to the occasion.
