The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a sport-utility vehicle which can trace its roots all the way to World War II and the military transport that was used by the US Army.
Since then, the Willys MA four-wheel drive vehicle, which became known as a Jeep, has undergone a few iterations and today's version, the Wrangler, has been modernised for 21st century purposes.
But visually, the Rubicon is still a rugged vehicle that oozes machismo. Huge 255/75 R17 tyres bulge out from under the oversized fenders of a vehicle whose roof is nothing but a canvas cover stretched over its frame.
The slab-sided metal doors with their exposed hinges are removable, and there are rock rails, tubular side steps and steel plate underbody armour.
To haul this big car around, there is an equally big 3.8-litre V6 engine. It may sound lazy but it has such an abundance of torque that you wonder if it ever runs out of breath.
But despite the macho factor, the Rubicon is surprisingly easy to handle. Even your mother could drive it.
The steering is light and the controls are fairly well weighted. The ride is soft and the all round visibility superb. Even the four-speed automatic transmission is silky smooth. Perhaps the only problem mum may have is climbing in.
The Rubicon is tall. But although you sit as high as a lorry driver, there is no danger of vertigo. Everything feels natural in a cabin that is spacious and comfortable.
Although the dashboard may be replete with black plastic, it manages to look ruggedly cool instead of cheap. And despite having a soft top, the Rubicon's interior is generally well-insulated from outside noise. Even the heat from the midday sun isn't a problem.
The Rubicon is one of the latest versions in the Wrangler model lineup. Like an ordinary Wrangler, it is available with two doors or four. But unlike the normal Wrangler, the Rubicon has upgraded four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability.
Any Wrangler with its Command-Trac 4WD system will allow you to breeze through rough terrain and dense jungle.
But the Rubicon has a more sophisticated Rock-Trac set-up. Its transfer case has a 4:1 low range that slows vehicle speed for better driver control while increasing available torque.
The Rubicon's front and rear axles also have air-actuated Tru-Lok locking differentials to maximise traction as well as an electronic sway-bar which can be disconnected at the touch of a button.
With the sway-bar disconnected, the ability to traverse deep potholes is enhanced.
As a result, the Rubicon has even more versatile off road performance than a conventional Wrangler - it can climb a 45-degree slope and wade through 30" of water.
Jeep says its approach and departure angles, as well as ground clearance, are the best in its class.
While the Rubicon is the top-of-the-line Wrangler, other specifications are also available from distributor Chrysler Jeep Automotive of Singapore.
They are the Sport and Sahara two-door and four-door versions, both with the same 3.8-litre V6 engine and the option to drive in high range 2WD and 4WD.
The Wrangler lineup starts from $115,000 (with COE) and the Rubicon is only available on special order with the price on application.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Engine: 3,778cc V6 Transmission: 4-speed automatic Power: 202 hp at 5,200 rpm Torque: 321 Nm at 4,000 rpm 0-100kmh: 8.4 seconds Top speed: 226kmh Distributor: Chrysler Jeep Automotive of Singapore
