More civilised Jeep Wrangler for 2015?

Jeep's Wrangler is in for a radical change -- at least that's the scuttlebutt from Jeep insiders polled during motoring.com.au's recent visit to Colorado to drive the brand's MY13 line-up.

Like other military-inspired 'retro' offroaders -- including Land Rover's Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen -- the Jeep Wrangler has traded on its iconic offroad image for decades. But the next generation of Chrysler's long-serving bush basher is likely to have more concessions to modernity including safety, on-road refinement and fuel efficiency.

So says Chrysler's engineering programming manager for Jeep Wrangler, David Vrabel.

Speaking last week at a Jeep Experience media event in Colorado, USA (where Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee offroaders were put through their paces along steep trails in the Rockies), Mr Vrabel admitted that tougher fuel economy regulations and increased concerns for pedestrian safety would have an impact on the design and engineering of the next Wrangler model, which is due in 2015.

The American offroad maker has already started making some serious changes to the rugged Wrangler over the last couple of years, including making the cabin more modern, comfortable and quieter. It's added conveniences like climate control, steering wheel cruise and audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity, and fitted a new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 which offers more power and torque than the petrol engine it replaces along with fuel economy improvements.

While Mr Vrabel indicated Jeep was looking at more efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engine options, such as those offered by Chrysler’s parent company Fiat, he admitted: "we also need to consider what that means in drivability terms".

In Australia, Wrangler buyers have a choice of either 3.6-litre petrol V6 or more fuel-efficient 2.8-litre turbodiesel engines, but in the US only the V6 petrol is available, with comparatively thirsty combined average of 11.3L/100km.

Mr Vrabel said tougher pedestrian impact laws could also force a redesign of the Wrangler's distinctive, upright grille and protruding front bumper, while the vehicle’s on-road dynamics -- never a strongpoint -- are also being looked at.

“Does that mean we have to put more of a slant on the grille to make it more pedestrian friendly? Maybe we do, we’re looking at how to make that work better,” he said.

But any improvements were unlikely to come at the expense of the Wrangler's impressive offroad abilities, which remain a prime reason for the Wrangler’s loyal following and current strong sales in the US.

“Wrangler does great business for us, and the people that drive it love it for exactly what it is. There’s no need to change simply to boost sales.”

And in case you wondered, the old-fashioned shift lever used to engage low-range gearing is unlikely to be replaced any time soon by a more convenient push-button or dial arrangement available on many of its rivals. Apparently, most Wrangler owners prefer the robust action of the stick shifter.

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