A Tech-savvy Patriot
The 2011 North and Limited models can be equipped, on request, with the hands-free, voice-activated Uconnect communication system.
There’s also a variety of stereos to choose from. Music-lovers will particularly appreciate the Media Centre 430 package, exclusive to these two variants, especially if they combine it with the Boston Acoustics package.
It includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, CD/DVD/HDD player, radio, 30-gig hard drive (that can store 6,700 tracks) and a satellite navigation system, not to mention nine Boston Acoustics speakers, a subwoofer and a 368-watt amplifier.
For the highway or the byway
For 2011, the driver should notice a different feel to the power steering and suspension. The newly calibrated systems improve the Jeep’s road manners.
The Patriot still shares its engines with the Compass and Caliber. The 2.0-litre, 158-hp, 4-cylinder mill motivates the two-wheel-drive Patriot Sport and North Edition. It drives the front wheels by way of a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT2.
The 2WD and AWD Patriot Limited, as well as the AWD Patriot Sport and North Edition, inherit the 2.4-litre, 172-hp, 4-cylinder engine. It’s also mated to the 5-speed manual transmission, but the buyer can also opt for one of two automatic gearboxes on these models.
Drivers who’ll never stray off paved roads will be satisfied with the CVT2, and if they’re looking for a little 4x4 action, can add the Freedom-Drive I system. Those who’ll venture off the beaten path will want to go with the slightly more expensive Freedom-Drive II.
Under normal conditions, both these reactive drive systems distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. Each has a 4WD Lock feature that you can activate on the fly to tackle more severe road conditions.
Freedom-Drive II has the advantage of being coupled with the CVT2L transmission and its super low gear ratio (19:1), which allows the Patriot to crawl forward at a snail’s pace. Since the ground clearance has been increased by 2.5 centimetres on the 2011 AWD models, the Patriot can now cross streams up to 50 cm deep and tackle larger boulders and tree trunks.
But if you’re planning on venturing into the heart of the forest, you’d be better off adding the Off Road package. It includes 17-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates and Hill Descent Control, must haves for your adventures in the wilderness.
The 2011 North and Limited models can be equipped, on request, with the hands-free, voice-activated Uconnect communication system.
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| Photo: Jeep |
There’s also a variety of stereos to choose from. Music-lovers will particularly appreciate the Media Centre 430 package, exclusive to these two variants, especially if they combine it with the Boston Acoustics package.
It includes a 6.5-inch touch screen, CD/DVD/HDD player, radio, 30-gig hard drive (that can store 6,700 tracks) and a satellite navigation system, not to mention nine Boston Acoustics speakers, a subwoofer and a 368-watt amplifier.
For the highway or the byway
For 2011, the driver should notice a different feel to the power steering and suspension. The newly calibrated systems improve the Jeep’s road manners.
The Patriot still shares its engines with the Compass and Caliber. The 2.0-litre, 158-hp, 4-cylinder mill motivates the two-wheel-drive Patriot Sport and North Edition. It drives the front wheels by way of a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT2.
The 2WD and AWD Patriot Limited, as well as the AWD Patriot Sport and North Edition, inherit the 2.4-litre, 172-hp, 4-cylinder engine. It’s also mated to the 5-speed manual transmission, but the buyer can also opt for one of two automatic gearboxes on these models.
Drivers who’ll never stray off paved roads will be satisfied with the CVT2, and if they’re looking for a little 4x4 action, can add the Freedom-Drive I system. Those who’ll venture off the beaten path will want to go with the slightly more expensive Freedom-Drive II.
Under normal conditions, both these reactive drive systems distribute torque between the front and rear wheels as needed. Each has a 4WD Lock feature that you can activate on the fly to tackle more severe road conditions.
Freedom-Drive II has the advantage of being coupled with the CVT2L transmission and its super low gear ratio (19:1), which allows the Patriot to crawl forward at a snail’s pace. Since the ground clearance has been increased by 2.5 centimetres on the 2011 AWD models, the Patriot can now cross streams up to 50 cm deep and tackle larger boulders and tree trunks.
But if you’re planning on venturing into the heart of the forest, you’d be better off adding the Off Road package. It includes 17-inch wheels shod in all-terrain tires, tow hooks, skid plates and Hill Descent Control, must haves for your adventures in the wilderness.
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| Photo: Jeep |
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