Midrand - For those of us who buy Jeeps because we want to get out there where the wild things are, Chrysler SA has come up with a limited-edition, South Africa-only Wrangle model that will help to ensure that the wild things - especially rhino - are still out there when our children's children are old enough to drive.
Based on the Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara derivatives, the Conservation Edition is being built in (very) limited numbers in collaboration with the Reserve Protection Agency, a non-profit organisation focused on the protection of South Africa's endangered wildlife species, specifically the diminishing rhino population.
SO WADDAYA GET?
Motivated by either a 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6 or a 2.8-litre, common-rail turbodiesel, the Conservation Edition stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique livery and also comes with special off-road package that includes a Mopar light bar with four spotlights, tail light guards and a special fuel filler cap.
Each Conservation Edition customer will also get a R3000 voucher for clothing or accessories from any Jeep dealer, a copy of the "Jeep Off Road Essentials" handbook, access to the members-only JeepRPA.com Owners section - including the RPA Jeep Cam - a special Big Five Bracelet from The Bead Coalition and two nights for two guests at any SANParks resort.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE
Five Conservation Edition buyers will win a five-day adventure for two with the RPA team at Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, including a 4x4 Ranger Training Course, designed for personnel who drive in game reserves, as well as the chance to drive both their own Jeep and a military-spec J8 on the training course, and an overview of the RPA operations, the team and a hand state-of-the-art Technology - including aerial drone demonstrations.
Depending on what's going on when you get there you could fly in gyrocopter, pilot a an unmanned aerial vehicle, experience an animal procedure or track animals - all the five winners have to do is get there and back under their own steam.
BOTTOM LINE
There will be only 50 Conservation Edition Wranglers built (40 Wrangler Unlimited and 10 Wrangler) and they're available in a choice of three colours - grey, tan or white. First deliveries are expected from 1 May 2014.
PRICES
Wrangler Sahara 3.6-litre V6 Conservation Edition - R475 990
Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 3.6-litre V6 Conservation Edition - R515 990
Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.8-litre CRD Conservation Edition - R569 990
And, for each one sold, Jeep will contribute R10 000 to the Reserve Protection Agency.