Jeep® is known for its robustness and ruggedness. According to one theory, the name Jeep is a corrupted version of the abbreviation "GP" for the former US military reconnaissance vehicle "General Purpose Vehicle." Is this true or false? The only thing we can say is that the Jeep, and more specifically the Wrangler UNLIMITED SAHARA that we rode this time, has a robust and earthy charm that makes us believe it to be true.
"It feels like my own secret base."
This was what our guest Goro Nakatsugawa (hereafter "Goro") told us while sitting in the passenger seat. He has created various cultural trends through his shops, including the well-known "MIN-NANO," the bicycle shop "Bicycle Shop MIN-NANO" located opposite, and "TOXGO" in Harajuku. He is also a self-proclaimed die-hard vehicle lover.
"Even if you're not thinking about anything bad, there are some things you don't want other people to hear, like complicated consultations. Driving is a good way to do that. Some conversations can only flow better in a limited space."
The interior of this Wrangler has a design that makes the frame of the car seem exposed, which really appeals to men. Now that I think about it, that may have been the reason why Goro-san used the word "secret base." ...Hmm? Is it okay to have it exposed? If you thought so, don't worry. The new model I drove this time is the first Wrangler to feature side curtain airbags (stored along the top of the window frame) in the front and rear. In the event of an accident, these work in conjunction with the airbags in the steering wheel to protect a wide area inside the car.
We would also like to draw your attention to the large 12.3-inch touch screen, which seems to float a little in such an analog car interior. By adopting a processor that is five times faster than before, it has achieved a faster response. It is surprisingly stressful when you cannot operate it smoothly, but this has been improved. It also works smoothly with smartphone apps such as "Apple CarPlay" and "Android Auto", and you can easily access information essential for driving, such as real-time gasoline prices, weather forecasts, and parking availability information. This type of SUV tends to be focused on its driving performance, but the new "Wrangler" is also well-equipped with in-car equipment. However, we were confused by the latest equipment. Although we were flustered, we somehow managed to input our destination safely.
Unfortunately, it was raining that day. Despite that, Goro and I headed to the shop "DUDE INN" in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa. They have been collaborating and celebrating anniversaries together for over 10 years.
Exiting the Shuto Expressway, we entered the Chuo Expressway, and headed towards Atsugi on the Ken-O Expressway from Hachioji. "This is the route I often take for a drive to have lunch with friends when I want to talk. For the past 10 years or so, I've been going out to have lunch with the artist SHINKNOWNSUKE at least once a week. I probably eat more with him than with my wife (laughs). Sometimes we eat nearby, and when we decide to take a quick drive on the highway and eat at a service area, this is the route we usually take."
Goro-san takes the initiative to drive his own car even in such situations. I'm sure he has a lot of things he doesn't want anyone to hear about. It would be rude to go any further than this, so I decided not to pursue it any further.
Due to traffic jams, we arrived two and a half hours after we left. The rain from the morning had stopped by then, but the restaurant still seemed dark... A sign saying "Summer Holiday" was hanging on the door. I felt like I was being hit by a downpour. "Well, I guess that's just how it goes when you're driving. I always want to be the kind of person who can enjoy these kinds of mishaps. It's fun to laugh and think, "Oh well, let's have a meal and go home." But when that happens, I always end up eating violent food (laughs)."
We were grateful for Goro's generosity and vowed to definitely get our revenge at "DUDE INN" again.
Since he had come all the way to Hiratsuka, we drove along the coast at the end of the day and asked him to look back on the day's drive. "It started out in the rain, we got stuck in traffic, and when we got to our destination the restaurant was closed. It would be funny if the food we had on the way back was terrible. But I think driving is great, even with all those things. I guess the unexpected events are part of the fun."
Goro continued on about the ride quality: "My original image of the Wrangler was that it was more rough, or that it would push you up while driving, but it's really comfortable. When I test drove it just now, I was surprised at how light the accelerator was. I thought it was a common sight in Tokyo, but I can see why so many people choose it. Even though I was at work, it was like a day off and I had a lot of fun!"
Goro's fears turned out to be unfounded, and we ended our short trip with a delicious pork cutlet curry at Ebina SA. Ah, relief.
The rain had completely stopped, and I headed home with cumulonimbus clouds shining across my eyes, signaling the end of summer.
信号待ちの時間もドライブの一部。見慣れぬ土地で見上げた空は、いつもよりなんだか広く感じた。
・Jeep / 3BA-JL20L
Right-hand drive
・4,870mm×1,895mm×1,845mm
・Capacity: 5 people
・Inline 4-cylinder DOHC turbo
Total displacement: 1,995cc
Maximum power output (kW/rpm): 200 (272hp) / 5,250 (ECE)
Maximum torque (N・m/rpm): 400 (40.8kg・m) / 3,000 (ECE)
- Rear 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, on-demand 4-wheel drive (selectable)
・Electronically controlled 8-speed automatic
・Regular unleaded gasoline
Fuel consumption rate (km/ℓ) *Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism approved value
(WLTC mode 9.8km/l, urban mode 7.4km/l, suburban mode 10.1km/l, highway mode 11.1km/l)
0120-712-812
