First look: Jeep unveils a four-door Wrangler!

A four-door version of jeep’s successful bare-bones 4WD, the Wrangler, has just been unveiled at this week’s New York motor show - and it could be on sale here within 18 months.

Chrysler-Jeep spokesman, Simon Johnson, confirmed that a right-hand drive version would be offered, and was confident it would be a "wish-list" vehicle.

The four-door is called the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and offers a full, open-air design with room for five and features a 2946mm wheelbase - 523 mm more than the standard version.

New steering and suspension geometry look after the ride and handling, while additional sound deadening reduces cabin noise.

The added length allows for a larger rear seat as well as more hip, leg and shoulder room - and triples luggage space.

It also retains the Wrangler’s removable full-framed or half doors, exposed hinges, fold-down windshield and removable and convertible tops.

A rollover stability system, stability control and brake assist will also be available.

The Wrangler’s rear doors open 90 degrees and have inside and outside handles, while the windows travel all the way down.

The rear seats split fold 60/40 and fold flat, creating 2.3 cubic metres of total storage volume. There’s also a lockable underfloor storage area.

An optional, three-piece modular hardtop features three removable panels for a variety of open-air driving configurations.

The left and right-front passenger panels may be stored inside the vehicle, while the rear section can remain in place or be removed separately.

Standard is the Sunrider soft-top, which includes a "sun roof" feature.

The Unlimited boasts an approach angle of 44.4 degrees, a breakover angle of 20.8 degrees, and 40.5 degree departure angle.

As well, the Wrangler has an electronic-disconnecting front stabiliser bar that can deliver a 28 per cent increase in wheel travel.

Initially both the two door and four-door will be available with a 153kW/325Nm 3.8-litre overhead valve V6 engine mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed auto.

But a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and 5.7-litre Hemi V8 are also on the cards.