The legendary Jeep Wrangler has demonstrated its continued success as a serious off-roader after scooping another major honour - 4x4 of the Year, Hardcore class.

The award, which goes specifically to the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, comes from long-established specialist publication 4x4 Magazine, whose panel of expert judges put the rugged US-built off-roader at the top of a list of extremely capable competitors.

The judges praised the Wrangler's off-roading capability, style, equipment and value for money.

Commenting on the result, Nigel Fryatt, editor, 4x4 Magazine said: "This year's 4x4 of the Year competition was as competitive as ever. In the Hardcore class, however, first place was a unanimous vote among the judges, with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited taking the class win.

"Head to head with the Land Rover Defender off-road there's little to choose, but if you had to live with either on a daily basis, in all-weathers, all traffic conditions, on and off-road, then there's only one choice. It has to be the Jeep."