We take a look at the Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge tuning and customisation arm Mopar. What can it offer South African customers?

People share special bonds with the cars they buy and sometimes simply having a car off the showroom floor isn’t enough. Vehicle customisation has gained worldwide popularity and as highlighted by Head of EMEA Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Santo Ficili, during a recent Jeep Experience Days ‘ride & drive’ event held in Sicily, Italy, customisation influences over 50% of purchasing decisions, which is significant.

Mopar is Chrysler’s Service, Parts and Customer Care brand with a footprint in over 130 countries worldwide. In 2013, Mopar set up shop in Pretoria to support and improve service to dealers, distributors and customers in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.

For Jeep, South Africa remains an important market and Mopar plays a key role in the brand's product offering. It’s important to note that Jeep is the most customised vehicle brand not only in the United States, but also in the European, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions and vehicle customisation is growing steadily in South Africa.

Mopar took the opportunity to show off the endless customisation options available to customers by creating numerous one-off Jeep Mopar concept vehicles which stood bathed in light as the sun set over Sicily. Take a look at these cool Jeep Mopar vehicles!

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

This "moparised"Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk looked particularly attractive in its ‘Mango Tango’ exterior body colour which was further enhanced with a special hood and side decals. The front grille is in matte black while the piano black mirrors round off the look. Mopar accessories added to the vehicle include rock rails, skid plates, roof bars and a roof rack which carries the spare wheel.

Inside, the Cherokee Trailhawk benefits from sill guards, ambient lighting and special floor mats. A dash of sportiness comes in by way of a pedal kit and Mopar centre caps. Storage in this Cherokee Trailhawk is enhanced with a special Mopar cargo tray and the vehicle rides on 17-inch mud-specifiic tyres.

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

Jeep had two lightly moparised Jeep Renegade Trailhawk models on display. The Renegade Trailhawk in Omaha Orange featured side and hood ‘Star’ decals with a matte grille and mirror covers. This model was also kitted out with a pedal kit and special floor mats. The aggressive look is completed with 17-inch BF Goodrich mud tyres. The second example shares similar features with Omaha Orange model but comes in an Anvil body colour with a special hood and decals. This model also benefits from roof bars and a roof rack to mount the spare wheel.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sunriser

This Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sunriser was shown at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and it looked striking in the metal thanks to a matte orange exterior body colour. The model benefits from fornt and rear off-road bumpers and comes fitted with 4-inch suspension lift kit. The interior is kitted out with dark grey leather seats with matching fluorescent orange stitching and inserts.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Stealth

This Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Stealth was my favourite. It was shown at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and features an Iron Peltrox exterior body colour with a Pelle Frau leather interior. Standout features for this moparised Wrangler include off-road bumpers, skid plate, rock rails, power dome vented hood and a black mesh grille. This model rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.

Visit www.mopar.co.za for more information!

Which one of these Jeep Mopar concept vehicles is your favourite? Share your comments with us!