Motoring

The Jeep Gladiator – WOW

Not since Russell Crowe showed off the guns has there been a gladiator as good as this! Jeep are capturing the crowds at CES with one of their smartest products in a long time.

Take the MY19 Jeep Wrangler, already a good thing, and simply stretch the wheelbase. This formula has already worked for Jeep when they transformed the Wrangler into the Wrangler Unlimited, instantly turning a capable but niche product into something altogether more useful.

We wrote about the Gladiator when it was announced, so check that out for the full details. But the Gladiator takes this concept one step further. By stretching the Wrangler Unlimited wheelbase even more, Jeep have increased functionality, and no doubt sales. The thing looks fantastic. It will steal sales from Ranger/Hilux/Navara style uses on looks alone, while being more user friendly than the truly agricultural Landcruiser. All of the rugged features of the Wrangler remain while the addition of the rear tub boosts load space.

The Gladiator badge is not new for Jeep, but marketing Gladiator as a life style product certainly is. I’m in the market for a dual cab ute. I’m waiting for the Gladiator; it’s that good!

[ces19]

Chris Bowen

Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.

He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.

Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.

Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.

He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”