Jeep Wrangler Night Eagle £50,500

It’s an off-road classic and this high-spec Wrangler combines modern comfort and gadgetry with all-round ruggedness, says Ed Coles

- Ed Coles

The Jeep Wrangler doesn’t need much of an introduction — there’s no mistaking the legendary looks. It has been on the roads and off the beaten track in various guises since 1986. The latest interpretation of Jeep’s classic four-wheel-drive combines modern comfort and gadgetry with all-round ruggedness.

We’re having a play with the Wrangler Night Eagle, which is one of the higher-spec versions. If we undo the nicely retro-looking clips and lift up the massive bonnet we see a two-litre turbo petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The poky petrol motor produces 272bhp and 400Nm of torque, more than enough to haul it around. The vehicle is also available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine.

Closing the bonnet and taking in the Wrangler’s classic silhouette, I can’t help think that a) it is very red and b) if Postman Pat had a utility 4x4… But I like it. The gloss black 18in alloys set it off nicely. Though the shape has mellowed a little, the rear end is strangely modern and box-like. Some new fancy rear lights add to the overall look.

The Wrangler is big and bold in its styling and detail, from the oversized door hinges to the renowned front grille and wing shape.

As I whip out the old trusty feed bag, the view from underneath is encouraging. It has a solid-looking ladder chassis, a robust suspension and running gear that looks slightly agricultural but with an element of the new-fangled. It certainly looks capable of dealing with some rural excursions. No worries about deep ruts or obstacles, as the Wrangler has a huge ground clearance of 242mm.