Jeep was transferring a truckload of camouflaged prototypes of their upcoming compact crossover and we were there to nab some spy shots including of the interior.
Slotting between the new Renegade and existing Cherokee, Jeep’s new compact model will replace both the existing Compass and Patriot using one of those names, as the brand’s global chief recently revealed.
“We’ve got two very good names, two well-established names with Compass and Patriot that continue to perform very well,” he said. “It will be one of those names — which one, we’re going to have to wait and see.”
The insides of the compact model have a similar no-frills styling and simple layout as the larger Cherokee with a large infotainment screen flanked by air vents on either side dominating the center console.
On the outside, as far as we can tell, the Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) brand appears to have gone for a more refined and discreet look compared to the rugged Renegade and flashier Cherokee, with a traditional face akin to the Grand Cherokee, and a slightly raked tailgate and roofline at the back.
Under the skin, it will ride on a stretched and widened version of FCA’s “Small Wide 4×4” architecture from the Renegade and the related Fiat 500X, offering both front wheel- and all-wheel drive variants which are believed to be paired to either a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder or an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four, possibly available with a six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic. Some markets may also get diesel options.
Like the Renegade, it will be offered in a trail-rated Trailhawk version sporting a longer suspension travel, tougher bodywork, disconnecting four-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission, plus added features such as the Selec-Terrain traction management system.
Full production of the new model is expected to kick off early next year at two plants, in Pernambuco, Brazil and Toluca, Mexico.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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