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2017 Jeep C-SUV Prototype Spied Wearing Renegade Body Shell

Virtually nothing has been confirmed about the next-gen 2017 Jeep Wrangler, but we do know this: the Compass and Patriot will kick the bucket in the calendar year 2016. In their place, the mysterious 2017 Jeep C-SUV is going to act as the manufacturer’s entry in the C-segment. Jeep’s brand and product extension plan confirms the C-SUV.
2017 Jeep C-SUV Prototype 14 photos
Photo: SB Medien
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Our spy photographers caught an early prototype of the 2017 Jeep C-SUV wearing a 2015 Jeep Renegade body shell. Considering that the Renegade (BU) rides on the Small US Wide 4x4 platform, it’s safe to say the C-SUV is going to use either a stretched version of that platform or, even though it's a long shot, an evolution of the Compact US Wide architecture.

What’s going to happen to the Chrysler PM/MK architecture of the Compass and Patriot? It’s easy to foresee what’s what. When Chrysler replaced the 200 sedan, the PM/MK was replaced by the previously mentioned Compact US Wide, so go figure what the future holds in store for us. Still, recent FCA announcements point toward a C-SUV that will not use the CUSW platform (Fiat Compact platform in Compact US Wide format).

Anyway, it’s safe to assume that the 2017 Jeep C-SUV will follow a path closer to the more rugged Patriot instead of the car-like Compass. The prototype in the adjacent gallery shows a black, riveted section which lengthens the donor body. Two 4x4 systems - Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low - will most likely be employed, offering a rear axle disconnect system.

A source with knowledge of the C-SUV’s development is adamant the production model will be renamed before it will debut in the second quarter of calendar year 2016. Suspension-wise, expect McPherson struts up front and Champan struts keeping things in check at the rear. The C-SUV will be slotted between the Jeep Renegade and Cherokee.

A direct injected and turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder from the Hurricane engine family is expected to arrive as the volume engine option. A six-speed manual and ZF nine-speed automatic (produced locally by FCA) will be the cog swappers of choice for the 2017 C-SUV.
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About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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