The Jeep name is associated with off-road driving. That market is now merged into various forms, but the Jeep tag still links with solid and rugged performance. The new Jeep Wrangler range continues that tradition as Michael Moroney found out during his recent test drive.

Jeep has a new four-door Wrangler Unlimited on the market with a new diesel engine, huge flexibility in terms of cabin style with a competitive price of €39,495 for a 4x4 of this size. Prices will rise come July with new CO2 related VRT and Road Tax rates.

Jeep has broadened its off-road appeal with the launch of the new Wrangler, complete with a new, first time diesel engine. The update comes at a time when the Irish market is being challenged with new CO2 regulations that will tarnish the appeal of 4x4 vehicle ownership.

This latest Jeep continues the heritage of the original Willies WW2 Jeep with more power and now improved comfort and styling. The most important part of the Wrangler news is that it now has diesel power. The new model comes with a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine that really does impress.

The Wrangler model is now available as a two-door or a four door, the latter Jeep is calling the Wrangler Unlimited. And that's the one that I had on test in recent weeks. Apart from a first time, four-door version, the Wrangler itself as a range has been completely re-engineered. Jeep has retained the overall rugged Wrangler design coupled with loads of technical changes under that iconic looking skin.

What's also unique about the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited is that they both offer removable full-framed doors and fold-down windscreen together with a removable hard top that provides more options for open-air driving. Jeep use what is called the Freedom Top system, which is a three-piece modular hardtop and features separate left- and right-front passenger panels that can be removed and stored in the vehicle, together with a rear section that can be removed separately. That makes the Wrangler a very versatile vehicle, if the weather is right!

This first diesel engine for a Wrangler is a 2.8-litre VM turbo-diesel engine, built by a company part owned by Mercedes Benz. The engine produces 174bhp, which is a powerful output. Engine torque is also high at 410Nm.

That's an impressive level of power, giving the Wrangler ability to tackle difficult terrain, heavy trailer loads and deliver pace on the open road. The Wrangler Unlimited is rated with 3.5 tonnes towing capacity, which is the best performance that you can get in a 4x4. In this regard, it matches the performance of the Land Rover Defender and bigger Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota models.

In terms of pace, the Wrangler Unlimited delivers a 0 to 100km/hr rating of 11.7 seconds, which again is a match for many of the bigger 4x4s. It delivers a better pace than most of the twin-cab pick-ups on the market and can match the best performer in this sector, the Nissan Navara.

The new Jeep Wrangler uses an electronic throttle control (ETC) system, replacing the mechanical throttle linkage. The system is claimed to provide a seamless and consistent engine response and improved fuel economy. The system is noticeably responsive in the low 4WD range when power management can impact on your ability to clear obstacles and soft spots.

There is a price to be paid for the performance from what is a heavy 4x4 and that comes in the form of fuel economy. The Wrangler Unlimited hits a figure of 10 litres/100km (28mpg) in the combined cycle and that's about the best performance you'll achieve.