FRANKFURT, Germany — DaimlerChrysler officially pulled the wraps off two future Jeeps that are expected to go into production next year, giving the Jeep brand its first-ever car-based models.
At a rugged course set up outside the show, the Compass and Patriot models showed that they still carried the Jeep off-road DNA. The production versions go on sale next year. The Patriot hints of past Cherokees with its upright lines. The Compass has a sportier look in keeping with European rally cars. Both are intended to be affordable for the first-time Jeep buyer.
The two cars share their underpinnings with the new Dodge Caliber and the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer. The Compass and the Patriot also will be among the first vehicles to use a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder "world" engine developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. Jeep plans to offer a continuously variable transmission, as well as a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel in international markets.
Chrysler said the Patriot is designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling and outstanding off-road capability, exceptional fuel economy, and interior flexibility at a value price. Compass has a more contemporary "rally car" look and is aimed at buyers who previously have not considered a Jeep.
Both vehicles ride on a wheelbase of 103.7 inches, and measure just over 173 inches long. The Compass is intended to start at under $15,000, making it one of the lowest-priced all-wheel-drive vehicles in North America. The Patriot is expected to be priced from the low-$20,000s.
What this means to you: New affordable car-based models could bring more buyers into the Jeep fold around the globe.
At a rugged course set up outside the show, the Compass and Patriot models showed that they still carried the Jeep off-road DNA. The production versions go on sale next year. The Patriot hints of past Cherokees with its upright lines. The Compass has a sportier look in keeping with European rally cars. Both are intended to be affordable for the first-time Jeep buyer.
The two cars share their underpinnings with the new Dodge Caliber and the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer. The Compass and the Patriot also will be among the first vehicles to use a new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder "world" engine developed with Mitsubishi and Hyundai. Jeep plans to offer a continuously variable transmission, as well as a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel in international markets.
Chrysler said the Patriot is designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling and outstanding off-road capability, exceptional fuel economy, and interior flexibility at a value price. Compass has a more contemporary "rally car" look and is aimed at buyers who previously have not considered a Jeep.
Both vehicles ride on a wheelbase of 103.7 inches, and measure just over 173 inches long. The Compass is intended to start at under $15,000, making it one of the lowest-priced all-wheel-drive vehicles in North America. The Patriot is expected to be priced from the low-$20,000s.
What this means to you: New affordable car-based models could bring more buyers into the Jeep fold around the globe.
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