People keep asking why Jeep has two SUVs in the compact segment. We'll take the company's word for it that the two vehicles will appeal to different buyer types.
Unlike the Compass (more here), the new Patriot is more conservatively styled and encapsulates more of the traditional Jeep look about it. That's not to say that the Jeep lacks some of the 'cute' looks that endear compact SUVs to buyers in the segment...
Prices start at $29,990 for the base of the two grades, the Patriot Sport. This entry-level model is fitted with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and drives through a five-speed manual transmission to an on-demand four-wheel-drive system which Jeep calls 'Freedom Drive I'.
Other drivetrain combinations available for the Patriot range are the same 2.4-litre petrol engine with a CVT transmission and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine driving through a six-speed manual. All these variations are available in both the Sport grade and the up-market 'Limited' grade. The CVT is a $2000 premium over the standard 2.4 with five-speed and the turbodiesel is a further $2000 over the CVT.
For $4000 more than the Sport, the Patriot buyer can enjoy the extra comfort and convenience of the Limited. Full pricing, including options, is published at the bottom of this article.
The 2.4-litre engine has been tuned for low fuel use and relies on variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust. Developing 125kW of power and 220Nm of torque, this engine will also use just 8.9lt/100km of fuel, according to ADR 81/01 combined cycle figures. For those wanting even lower fuel use, the turbodiesel supplied by Volkswagen to the Chrysler Group is rated at 6.7lt/100km in combined cycle testing. Power peaks at 103kW and the engine musters 310Nm of torque.
The key element on which 'Freedom Drive I' hangs is the electronically controlled coupling ('ECC') integrated with the rear differential. It's a multi-plate clutch system which Jeep engineers favour over viscous couplings. The ECC interfaces with traction control, ESP and ABS to ensure the optimum torque at the respective end of the vehicle. When the going gets really tough, the centre transfer can also be locked.
Standard active safety features for all variants of the Patriot include ESP, traction control, ABS and ERM (Electronic Roll Mitigation). As that name implies, the feature relies on ESP to monitor the potential for a roll and then applies braking to individual wheels as well as varying the throttle to reduce that potential.
The ABS system can operate in two modes, one for on-road and the other for off-road driving.
All Patriot models come equipped with side curtain airbags for those moments when ERM gives up the ghost.
Innovative new features offered in the Patriot package include an optional flip-down speaker system in the tailgate to pipe music through the camp after a day's off-roading.
Other such features include a removable torch and a centre armrest with a receptacle to accommodate an iPod or a mobile phone.
Exterior colours available for the Patriot are Green Metallic Clear Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.
Jeep has designed the Patriot with spaciousness in mind and the front passenger seat will fold flat for those occasions when the owner must move a very long item which occupies the entire length of the vehicle's cabin. The rear seat also folds flat -- in a 60/40 split fold ratio.
Rear seat legroom measures 1000mm and with the seats folded flat, the Patriot will consume 1357 litres of cargo up to the headlining, with both rear seats folded flat.
Interior ambience has been enhanced through two-tone colour schemes for both grades -- either Pastel Slate Grey or Pastel Pebble Beige -- and silver painted instrument bezels for the Patriot Limited. The Patriot Sport's cloth seats are trimmed in an anti-static, anti-stain fabric which the Chrysler Group has arranged through a fabric supplier to hotels.
Marketed as 'YES Essentials' by Chrysler, the fabric is impregnated during the manufacturing process -- not just treated superficially -- and will resist staining from food spills and other family car 'accidents'. The higher grade Jeep Limited is fitted with leather seats.
Prices
Patriot Sport 2.4 five-speed manual $29,990
Patriot Sport 2.4 CVT $31,990
Patriot Sport turbodiesel six-speed manual $33,990
Patriot Limited 2.4 five-speed manual $33,990
Patriot Limited 2.4 CVT $35,990
Patriot Limited turbodiesel six-speed manual $37,990
Options
Premium paint $300
Premium sound group $2000 (Sport)
Premium sound group $600 (Limited)
Deep tint windscreen $390 (Sport)
Luxury group $2000 (Limited)
Front seat-mounted side impact airbags $600 (Limited)
Premium sound group for Sport comprises six Boston Acoustic speakers, articulating tailgate speakers, subwoofer, remote audio control leather-bound steering wheel and six-disc MP3-compatible CD audio head unit. In the case of the Limited, the six-stacker MP3-compatible CD head unit is already fitted, hence the lower price.
Patriot Limited's 'luxury group' option consists of an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, tyre pressure monitoring and electric sunroof.
For our review of the Patriot at the international launch, click here. We'll have a local launch review in the next few days.
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