Jeep Patriot & Jeep Compass: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 15/9/2005

Jeep designers have gone to the extreme, creating two all-new sport utility vehicle (SUV) concepts that could expand the Jeep brand into new territory.

The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts are compact Jeep four-wheel-drives that would deliver fun, freedom, utility, capability, as well as the potential for good fuel economy and interior flexibility — all at a great value.

Making their debut at the 2005 Frankfurt motor show (IAA) in Germany, these concepts hint at two future compact SUVs that the Jeep brand could build for global markets as soon as next year.

With the potential for the powerful yet fuel-efficient all-new 2.4-litre 'World Engine' and a state-of the-art 2.0-litre diesel (for international markets), the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts could be coupled with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

The two very distinct interpretations of a compact Jeep complement each other, yet target different sets of customers who seek great value and fuel efficiency. The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts would expand the brand’s global line-up, which includes Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Cherokee, the legendary Jeep Wrangler and the seven seater Jeep Commander, which is yet to be confirmed for Australia.

"The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot concepts prove Jeep continues to explore new territory," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design, Chrysler Group. "These concept vehicles would allow Jeep to provide best-in-class capability to the compact SUV buyer at a great value, and do so with the credibility that only comes with a Jeep."

Jeep Patriot concept: Strong and capable, the Patriot concept is designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want traditional Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. The Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand’s key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, but would still offer exceptional fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.

Classic Jeep design cues include aggressive 17-inch offroad wheels and tyres housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. These combine with a raised roof rack that can hold additional gear to provide a no-nonsense, functional statement. Jeep Patriot’s higher beltline completes the vehicle’s protective profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper that further illustrate the Jeep Patriot concept’s interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability. Jeep Patriot not only looks like a Jeep, but all-new Jeep offroad technology would ensure Jeep Patriot could be a Trail Rated 4x4, which would make it the most capable vehicle in its class.

Jeep Compass concept: Sleek and sophisticated with a rally car toughness, the Jeep Compass concept would deliver Jeep fun, freedom and capability, broadening the global appeal of the brand and attracting new buyers who might not have previously considered the brand.

"The Jeep Compass concept is an all-new kind of Jeep," Creed said. "Compact and nimble, the Jeep Compass concept is the right size for world markets and would offer performance, fuel economy and value in the highly competitive compact SUV segment."

True to Jeep’s signature design cues, the Jeep Compass concept features the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps, large and capable fog lights and trapezoidal wheel openings. A steeply raked windshield, an expressive hood, low-to-the ground stance, deep fascia, wire mesh grille texture and prominent lower intake give the Jeep Compass concept a powerful and capable appearance.

The Jeep Compass concept’s side profile is highly sculptured. Powerful fender forms exaggerate the Jeep Compass concept’s athletic stance, performance 19-inch wheels and redline tyres. From the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler completes the Jeep Compass performance message.