The Compass, on the other hand, isn't so much a "jeep" as it is a hatchback. It's a path Jeep hasn't trod down since the days of the Varsity and Jeepster concepts, and for that matter the rear-wheel drive convertible model that wore the Jeepster nameplate from 1948 to '73. Currently, there's nothing in the Jeep lineup that's remotely like the Compass, which incorporates the same seven-slat grille and oversized circular headlamps into an edgy Pontiac Vibe-style package. Jeep is hoping to cash in on a
new crowd, wooing them with low-profile 'red-line' tires, black-painted wheels and a body kit that wouldn't be out of place on an FIA World Rally Car. With promised versatility and clever packaging, it delivers on the sport and utility aspects of an SUV, without wearing the same SUV wardrobe.
Whichever exterior shell you prefer, the underpinnings will most likely be identical. It has long been suggested that Jeep's upcoming compact model (or models) will use a modified version of DaimlerChrysler's new small car architecture, a platform co-developed with Mitsubishi. This is the platform which will be used to underpin the Dodge Caliber, DCX's five-door replacement to the aging SX 2.0 (Neon). For those fearing that the FWD platform would translate into Jeep's "Trail Rated" reputation being flushed down the proverbial toilet, the platform has already shown its potential as an SUV in Mitsubishi's second-generation Outlander - not available yet.
As well as sharing the global small car platform the two-utes will draw on DCX's latest global powerplant, which was co-developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. The new engine, scheduled to begin production this September, is about 5 percent more economical than its predecessor, and when combined with an optional CVT gearbox, it has been pegged at
being between 8 to 10 percent more efficient overall. Actual powertrain specifications for the Compass Rallye and Patriot concepts will be revealed closer to their debut, early this September.
With growing gas-guzzler and anti-SUV sentiments across the globe, DaimlerChrysler's decision to move Jeep downstream with car-based products could be a wise move. In addition to providing fuel-saving alternatives such as the Liberty CRD turbodiesel and MDS on HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees and Commanders, Jeep is showing that it is starting to produce more environmentally conscious products.
The new compact Jeeps should arrive sometime within the next two years, most likely produced at the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant, home to the Dodge SX 2.0/Neon/SRT-4 and the upcoming 2007 model-year Caliber.
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| The new Compass Rallye, on the other hand, isn't so much a "jeep" as it is a hatchback. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Whichever exterior shell you prefer, the underpinnings will most likely be identical. It has long been suggested that Jeep's upcoming compact model (or models) will use a modified version of DaimlerChrysler's new small car architecture, a platform co-developed with Mitsubishi. This is the platform which will be used to underpin the Dodge Caliber, DCX's five-door replacement to the aging SX 2.0 (Neon). For those fearing that the FWD platform would translate into Jeep's "Trail Rated" reputation being flushed down the proverbial toilet, the platform has already shown its potential as an SUV in Mitsubishi's second-generation Outlander - not available yet.
As well as sharing the global small car platform the two-utes will draw on DCX's latest global powerplant, which was co-developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. The new engine, scheduled to begin production this September, is about 5 percent more economical than its predecessor, and when combined with an optional CVT gearbox, it has been pegged at
 |
| The new engine, scheduled to begin production this September, is about 5 percent more economical than its predecessor, and when combined with an optional CVT gearbox (shown), will be between 8 to 10 percent more efficient. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
With growing gas-guzzler and anti-SUV sentiments across the globe, DaimlerChrysler's decision to move Jeep downstream with car-based products could be a wise move. In addition to providing fuel-saving alternatives such as the Liberty CRD turbodiesel and MDS on HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees and Commanders, Jeep is showing that it is starting to produce more environmentally conscious products.
The new compact Jeeps should arrive sometime within the next two years, most likely produced at the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant, home to the Dodge SX 2.0/Neon/SRT-4 and the upcoming 2007 model-year Caliber.