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The newest generation of the venerable civilian Jeep has arrived. For 2007, Jeep has rolled out the redesigned Wrangler, the quintessential off-road vehicle that traces its roots to the military jeeps used by the U.S. armed forces during World War II.

This latest version, though, is a lot more refined than even last year’s model, let alone those rather crude early military jeeps that were the basis for the first civilian Jeep.

Styling hasn’t been changed significantly, of course. That’s not something that should ever be messed with. The Wrangler still has the signature shape, seven-slot grille, round headlights, trapezoid-shaped wheel flares, exposed door and windshield hinges, and the windshield that can be folded down.

Exterior changes are subtle, and include a new molded front bumper with integrated fog lights, sealed headlights with 20 percent brighter halogen bulbs.

The new Wrangler is slightly bigger, as well – five inches wider than before, with a track that is 3.5 inches wider. The extra width was added to increase interior space.

Here’s a new feature that even some diehard Jeepers will enjoy: Power windows and door locks are offered — even with the removable doors.

And even with all of the improvements – including the quietest cabin ever in a Jeep – this newest model still has the off-road abilities that have made the Wrangler the preferred vehicle of serious four-wheel-drive enthusiasts.

In fact, the automaker says the new model offers even more off-road prowess than its predecessor. The new Wrangler has more ground clearance, larger wheels and tires, improved Dana solid axles, and new optional four-wheel-drive systems. Also new are electric axle lockers and an electrically operated disconnecting sway bay.

Here is a big change, however: The company has added the first four-door Wrangler to the lineup, called the Wrangler Unlimited. And also for the first time, a Wrangler model will be offered with two-wheel drive. That option is limited to the four-door version, however; the regular Wrangler still comes only with four-wheel drive.

Before “Jeep” became a trademark, there was the military version, which the Army designated a “general purpose” vehicle or “GP” for short, which, of course, was pronounced and then spelled “jeep.”

The civilian Jeep, or CJ, arrived shortly after the end of the war, and through its history has been a product of Willys, American Motors, Chrysler Corp., and now DaimlerChrysler.

The Wrangler has never been practical for most consumers for everyday use, particularly those with a family. The back seat is meant for just two, and there is virtually no cargo space behind the seat.

That format continues in the 2007 two-door Wrangler, but those who need four doors and more cargo capacity now have a choice – they can opt for the new Wrangler Unlimited (base price $20,410 plus freight for the two-wheel drive; $22,410 with four-wheel drive).

This new model gives rear passengers much-easier access, and there is even more cargo space – 46.4 cubic feet with the rear seat in place, and 83 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The four-door has a 116-inch-wheelbase vs. 95.4 inches for the standard-length Wrangler. And it’s 20.6 inches longer than the regular Wrangler.

There is room for five adults in the four-door model, whose rear seat holds up to three people. Until now, Wranglers have barely had room for two in the back seat. But for longtime Wrangler owners who don’t need the extended version, the redesigned ’07 regular-length model is sure to please. It doesn’t take anything away from the versatility of the previous model, yet offers more refinement – a concession to those who want to use the vehicle for everyday transportation.

For this report, we tested the base two-door Wrangler X model ($18,105 plus $660 freight and options).

This is the simplest version, closest in form and execution to the original CJ.

It comes with the traditional Wrangler half-doors and soft top, with plastic side and rear windows.

There still is room only for four people, but the front seats now have 4.6 inches more hip room and 5.1 inches more shoulder room, Jeep says. Rear seats have 3.9 inches of additional shoulder room, 1.6 inches more hip room, and an inch more legroom.

The cargo space behind the rear seat is still negligible, but that expands significantly with the rear seatback folded forward if you don’t need the back seat for passengers. This is not the best vehicle for fetching a large load of groceries from the supermarket, however.

Jeep says the new Wrangler’s frame is 100 percent stiffer than before, and the vehicle is 20 percent quieter than before. Suspension improvements include “advanced shock tuning,” Jeep says.

The new Wranglers – both the two- and four-door models — also come with a choice of removable hard or soft tops. Among those is a three-piece modular top, whose two front sections can be stored inside the vehicle after being removed.

A new “Sunrider” soft top includes a sunroof feature that allows it to open partially. It also can be removed completely to turn the vehicle into a convertible.

Powering all Wranglers for 2007 is a 3.8-liter V-6 engine rated at 205 horsepower and 237 foot-pounds of torque. For the first time, no four-cylinder is offered. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic optional.

EPA ratings for the are 17 miles per gallon in the city and 19 highway with four-wheel drive and the manual gearbox, and 16 city/19 highway for the automatic..

Other features include a standard fold-flat rear seat, along with optional power door locks with remote, GPS navigation system, MP3 music playback capability and Sirius satellite radio.

Safety equipment includes standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, and optional seat-mounted side air bags, which should be a standard feature, particularly for a vehicle used in extreme off-road conditions where it is much more likely to roll over.

Three trim levels are available: the X, the midlevel Sahara, and the Rubicon. There will be hundreds of different top, door and windshield combinations, Jeep said. Nine exterior colors will be available, and wheel choices will include 16-, 17-, and 18-inch versions.

Inside the 2007 Wranglers have a new instrument panel, center instrument stack, and high-back front bucket seats.

Three skid plates are included on four-wheel-drive models to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan from rocks and logs. Two-wheel-drive models get just one skid plate, protecting the gas tank.

X and Sahara four-wheel-drive models come with Jeep’s second-generation Command-Trac part-time, two-speed transfer case. A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential is optional.

The most high-tech four-wheel-drive system is on the Rubicon model. It includes Jeep’s Off-Road Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, as well as the front and rear electronic axle lockers, the sway-bar system, and 32-inch B.F. Goodrich off-road tires.

The only extras on our test vehicle were the automatic transmission ($825) and air conditioning ($895). Total sticker was $20,485, including freight and options.

All of the new Wranglers are built at Jeep’s newest plant, in Toledo, Ohio.

G. Chambers Williams III is staff automotive columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and former transportation writer for the Star-Telegram. His automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.

2007 Jeep Wrangler

The package: Compact, two-door, two- or four-wheel-drive, four-passenger specialty sport utility vehicle. Highlights: Redesigned for 2007, this is the continuation of the civilian version of the World War II military vehicles. This is the most-refined model yet, however, and it comes with a wider body, more-refined interior and a new V-6 engine. Negatives: Still not very practical for everyday use; also pricey, especially when compared with larger, more practical SUVs. Yet there is still nothing quite like it. Engine: 3.8-liter V-6. Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-speed automatic (optional). Power/torque: 205 HP/237 foot-pounds. Length: 152.8 inches. Width: 73.7 inches (not including mirrors). Wheelbase: 95.4 inches. Curb weight: 3,760-4,129 pounds. Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock. Cargo volume: 17.1 cubic feet (behind rear seat). Towing capacity: 2,000 pounds. EPA fuel economy: 17 miles per gallon city/19 highway (manual); 16/19 (automatic). Base price: $18,105 plus $660 freight (X model). Price as tested: $20,485 including freight and options. On the Road rating: 7.4 (out of a possible 10).