Jeep Wrangler: first details of the 2011 facelift

Jeep has facelifted the Wrangler. No, really. It might not seem like it, but the American manufacturer has given its boxy 4x4 a raft of updates to enable it to continue treading water in these modern times.

Subtlety is the name of the game as far as the outside appearance is concerned, with exterior changes limited to a new body-colour hard top for the Sahara model.

Interior updates are more drastic, with a redesigned instrument panel and improved materials less likely to be found in a box of Lego, as well as extra storage areas and improved ergonomics. A new USB port and the addition of Bluetooth connectivity complete the changes, so it's really not earth-shattering stuff.

Jeep has left the underpinnings untouched for now, which of course means that it's still a beast off-road, but won't have you out-cornering the likes of BMW's X3 on the tarmac. The 2.8-litre diesel that Jeep finally introduced in 2006 continues service, so it'll at least give semi-respectable economy while crossing deserts and jungles.

The Wrangler remains – and perhaps always will – a leftfield choice which will appeal only to those who go off-road regularly. If you're not one of those people, it's probably best to stick to that Kuga.

By Ben Foulds