Certainly, the massive Gladiator has its niche market, and even during the launch the chatter in the showroom was all about its capabilities, presence and style.
Articulating my impressions was harder than expected for a vehicle that offers more than the eye can see. For starters, taking this beast for a drive proved challenging, since both cars were already in the hands of their new owners, leaving Top Revs with no choice but to wait for the next Gladiators to be delivered to the M+Z Jeep dealership in Windhoek.
Any potential client would be eager to find out more about the car”;s capabilities and performance. Is it capable of veering off the beaten track and what lies under the bonnet?
If the car can be compared to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, then rest assured that it is more than well equipped to tackle all manner of Namibian terrain.
Under the hood is a massive V6 3.6L Pentastar petrol engine kicking out enough power to tackle almost any obstacle. The 8-speed automatic gearbox with a 4:10 axel gear ratio is perfect to drive the massive longwheel-based double-cab vehicle, which is equally adept in town as it is off-road.
The four-door extended load box offers more than one can imagine, and for the adventurer this is the ultimate vehicle to park in your driveway. And with the option of removing the doors and roof, and lowering the front screen, the Gladiator offers more than a carefree feeling.
It”;s clear that Jeep manufacturers designed and built this vehicle with adventure in mind.
The Gladiator has over 80 active and passive safety systems for both driver and passengers. From blind spot detection, adaptive speed cruise, park view and rear view high definition camera, along with dynamic integration of the grid to make reverse manoeuvres easy, the Gladiator comes standard with a twilight sensor that switches the headlights on automatically.
The car can be started remotely, and the keyless entry and keyless go make life so much easier, especially when your hands are full.
The interior of the car is equipped with safety belts and roll bars, to mention a few. It also comes with skid plates to protect the car”;s transmission, gearbox, and fuel tanks when off-roading.
The Gladiator also comes with a Trial Rated trademark, which means before that badge can be put on that Jeep, it has to pass a series of tests in the toughest of terrains to prove it can withstand extreme conditions.
The ground clearance of the vehicle will and can vary according to owner preference through the use of bigger tyres which directly influences ground clearance, as well as approach and departure angles.
The Gladiator also boasts towing capacity of more than 2 700 kilogrammes, making it an ideal towing vehicle for weekend farmers or camping enthusiasts.
The interior tells its own story, with a comprehensive infotainment system, a radio with nine speakers, enough leg space for both front and rear passengers, secure compartments for extra internal storage space, and rear 60:40 folding chairs, while the quality trimmings along seats, gear levers and the dashboard testify to the level of craftsmanship.
As the saying goes “settle in for the adventure of your life” when driving your Jeep. And true to the Jeep tradition, the front still has that iconic 7-slot grill.
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