Is this the ultimate double cab?
Jeep aims to take the title by unveiling the Gladiator pick-up that promises to be rougher and tougher than its rivals.
The newcomer builds on a rich heritage of tough Jeep off-roaders with an unmatched combination of rugged utility, Jeep design, open-air freedom, clever functions and usefulness, best-in-class towing, 4x4 payload, top on and off-road driving as well as a host of safety and driving features.
The news is that the Gladiator could be heading to Mzansi in 2020.
It shares its design elements with the Wrangler, but has its own unique ingredients such as the trademark grille at the front which is a little bit wider for greater airflow and the nose is swept back slightly.
At the rear, traditional square tail lights have LED lighting and the back has a wider tailgate opening for unobstructed loading. The cab is available in hard and soft top versions.
Dozens of different doors, open top and windscreen offer many different combinations.
On the inside, the layout and dashboard are also lifted from the Wrangler.
For now, the Gladiator is powered by Jeep’s 3,6-litre petrol engine but a 3,0-litre EcoDiesel V6 will be offered in 2020.
The Gladiator is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as a standard feature on all Gladiator models. But buyers can order it to be fitted with a special eight-speed automatic gearbox as an optional extra.
Jeep said occusafety and security levels were paramount in the development of the Gladiator, which is why Jeep has fitted more than 80 active and passive safety and security features in and on this vehicle.
