Fiat Chrysler might have limited funding, at least for now, but that only seems to stimulate the company to push its engineers to new limits, coming up with an extraordinary variety of platform-sharing models. The latest example of this comes from the contraption showcased in these spyshots.
Meet Jeep’s future compact CUV, a vehicle that will replace both the Patriot and the Compass. The vehicle will use the Small-Wide modular architecture, one whose roots take us back one decade, sharing this with vehicles as diverse as the Jeep Renegade and Jeep Cherokee, as well as the Fiat 500X.
We’ve mentioned the three models above since each comes with its own personality - despite Jeep being set to offer three models on this platform starting next year, when the spied CUV is expected, there’ll be no driving confusion involved.
Right now you might be looking at these spy images and wondering why the prototype comes with such a bland look. Fret not, rugged styling aficionados, once the camouflage is off, you’ll be able to spot the traditional details that make up the Jeep identity, such as the muscular wheel arches.
Given the heavy camouflage on the vehicle and the timeframe, we are now dealing with the production version being tested, as opposed to the Renegade test mule that was spotted back in May.
Jeep has learned valuable lessons from both the Compass’ safety failures and the success of the new Cherokee and Renegade. The knowledge will be used for the future crossover, so you can expect an accomplished machine.
As far as the powertrain options are concerned, the big novelty will be an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill, one that will mix turbocharging with direct injection in order to preach the benefits of downsizing.
In standard trim, the CUV will pack front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual. However, the list of options will obviously include an all-paw approach, as well as ZF’s nine-speed automatic. We can even hope for the transmission producer to solve the smoothness issues by the time this new Jeep is launched.
Those who take rugged terrain seriously will be treated with the now usual Trailhawk version, which will make the most out of the Selec-Terrain traction management.
Jeep’s CUV is expected to land in the second half of next year, staying true to the Fiat Chrysler five-year strategy.
We’ve mentioned the three models above since each comes with its own personality - despite Jeep being set to offer three models on this platform starting next year, when the spied CUV is expected, there’ll be no driving confusion involved.
Right now you might be looking at these spy images and wondering why the prototype comes with such a bland look. Fret not, rugged styling aficionados, once the camouflage is off, you’ll be able to spot the traditional details that make up the Jeep identity, such as the muscular wheel arches.
Given the heavy camouflage on the vehicle and the timeframe, we are now dealing with the production version being tested, as opposed to the Renegade test mule that was spotted back in May.
Jeep has learned valuable lessons from both the Compass’ safety failures and the success of the new Cherokee and Renegade. The knowledge will be used for the future crossover, so you can expect an accomplished machine.
As far as the powertrain options are concerned, the big novelty will be an all-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill, one that will mix turbocharging with direct injection in order to preach the benefits of downsizing.
In standard trim, the CUV will pack front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual. However, the list of options will obviously include an all-paw approach, as well as ZF’s nine-speed automatic. We can even hope for the transmission producer to solve the smoothness issues by the time this new Jeep is launched.
Those who take rugged terrain seriously will be treated with the now usual Trailhawk version, which will make the most out of the Selec-Terrain traction management.
Jeep’s CUV is expected to land in the second half of next year, staying true to the Fiat Chrysler five-year strategy.