Four-door Wrangler for Oz

Jeep is set to launch a four-door version of its Wrangler SUV. And it's certain the new 'old' foubie is coming Down Under.

The next-generation two-door Wrangler was unveiled at January’s Detroit motor show, but what the company hasn’t revealed yet is the final four-door version of the off-road icon. However, CarPoint's sources within Chrysler Jeep Australia have confirmed the existence of the production version and the last quarter 2006 arrival of the vehicle.

Not to be confused with the new seven-seat full-size Commander, the four-door five-seater will be built on a stretched (400mm) version of the TK platform.

The vehicle’s styling will be influenced by the Jeep Rescue concept vehicle (pictured) that appeared at the 2004 Detroit show. That said, insiders say the Wrangler four-door won’t be quite as large as the Rescue, which was based on the Commander's full-size chassis.

Although the latest-gen Wrangler is said to be an all-new design, Jeep’s boffins haven’t strayed too far from the basic formula. Its rivals may have plumped for more contemporary independent suspension set-ups in their SUVs, but the Wrangler sticks with tried and proven solid axles -- both front and rear. And yes, soft-top versions will be available in two and four-doors.

The ancient inline six-cylinder engine will finally be laid to rest when the new model arrives, in lieu of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder (as per the Dodge Caliber) and a 3.8-litre V6 (from the Cherokee). Also rumoured for the four-door Wrangler (but not the two-door) is an optional 5.7-litre HEMI V8!

Transmission choices are likely to include four/five-speed automatic and six-speed manual gearboxes.

True to the Wrangler tradition, off-road ability is expected to be a strong suit. The Wrangler shown at Detroit offered an impressive 259mm of ground clearance and maximum approach and departure angles of 44.3 and 40.4 degrees respectively.

There’s also an electronically disconnecting front sway bar that provides 28 percent more suspension articulation. In addition, Rubicon models get electrically locking front and rear differentials and a super-low (4.0-to-1) low-range gear ratio.

The new Wrangler’s frame is said to be twice as stiff as before, and even the two-door version is larger than its predecessor. Revised suspension geometry makes for flatter cornering while lower (softer) spring rates team with the 50mm longer wheelbase to give a smoother ride, according to Chrysler Jeep.

Safety features take a leap forward with the adoption of stability control, electronic roll mitigation and optional side airbags.