Knobby mud and snow tires fitted to 17-inch alloy wheels give this little puppy the extra ground clearance and traction it needs for tackling more
than just paved parking lots and mild dirt roads. But don't expect to hear much about axle articulation and rock-crawling prowess if and when a production Patriot is finally introduced; chances are the monocoque frame will maintain the Caliber's lighter duty independent suspension system.
Also undisclosed is the Patriot's engine and gearbox. In the press release that accompanied yesterday's debut, Jeep mentioned that it could use one of the new series of global engines produced in a joint effort with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. These include a robust 170-horsepower 2.4-litre inline-four gasoline engine as featured in the Dodge Caliber, as well as a 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel. And while a manual transmission would probably be offered as standard equipment, a CVT autobox would take its place for those not prepared to mix their own gears.
Would Jeep ever consider putting the Patriot into production? It appears that there are no reservations coming from the American brand. For its expansion into Europe and Asia, it needs new, modern vehicles that are
consumer friendly and economical. The Patriot fills all such requirements without sacrificing many of the core characteristics of Jeep products, particularly in its styling and design execution. Obviously, it also provides Jeep with a stepping stone to a new market segment.
If indeed the Patriot gets the green light, which it most likely will, expect it to arrive alongside the Compass - although it must be said that the chances for the Patriot are higher than that of the Compass. This is a market that Jeep desperately needs to explore, and one which the Patriot would definitely succeed in. It may not be as no-nonsense as the original Cherokee, but the Patriot concept delivers the traditional goods, albeit with a bit of aid from an unexpected source - a modern compact hatchback.
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| Knobby mud and snow tires fitted to 17-inch alloy wheels give this little puppy the extra ground clearance and traction it needs for tackling more than just paved parking lots and mild dirt roads. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Also undisclosed is the Patriot's engine and gearbox. In the press release that accompanied yesterday's debut, Jeep mentioned that it could use one of the new series of global engines produced in a joint effort with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. These include a robust 170-horsepower 2.4-litre inline-four gasoline engine as featured in the Dodge Caliber, as well as a 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel. And while a manual transmission would probably be offered as standard equipment, a CVT autobox would take its place for those not prepared to mix their own gears.
Would Jeep ever consider putting the Patriot into production? It appears that there are no reservations coming from the American brand. For its expansion into Europe and Asia, it needs new, modern vehicles that are
 |
| If indeed the Patriot gets the green light, which it most likely will, expect it to arrive alongside the Compass (shown). (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
If indeed the Patriot gets the green light, which it most likely will, expect it to arrive alongside the Compass - although it must be said that the chances for the Patriot are higher than that of the Compass. This is a market that Jeep desperately needs to explore, and one which the Patriot would definitely succeed in. It may not be as no-nonsense as the original Cherokee, but the Patriot concept delivers the traditional goods, albeit with a bit of aid from an unexpected source - a modern compact hatchback.