Photo: Kleber Silva on Behance
In September 2017, Automotive News reported that an A-segment Jeep is in the pipeline. The yet-to-be-named model would be sold exclusively outside North America, and at that time, the Fiat Panda 4x4 was expected to serve as the basis for the pocket-sized crossover.
Fast-forward to the Capital Markets Day 2018 conference, and that’s when Jeep has confirmed the product strategy until 2022. The list of newities opens with an A-/B-segment crossover with at least one electrified powertrain, probably a plug-in hybrid like the Renegade 4xe.
Last time we’ve heard anything about the “ultra compact” SUV, head of marketing Marco Pigozzi mentioned “plenty of day-to-day practicality without compromising Jeep’s renowned off-road capability.” Expected to be slightly longer than the Suzuki Jimny, the baby crossover is now rumored to feature a different platform compared to the Fiat Panda 4x4.
Why, you’re asking? 2019 is when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and French automaker Groupe PSA agreed to merge on a 50-50 basis. Transitioning to the Common Modular Platform of the Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 Crossback is a no-brainer, and Jeep may have done it already. Lest we forget, the Corsa F was supposed to ride on a General Motors platform yet it features the CMP following PSA's acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall.
Also known as EMP1, this vehicle architecture serves as the basis of the all-new Opel Mokka. Marketed under the Vauxhall brand in the United Kingdom, the Mokka is just a lil' shorter than the Renegade.
Because of its footprint and underpinnings, pixel artist Kleber Silva took the Mokka and applied some Jeep styling cues to the front and rear ends. The rendering isn’t half bad, and the proportions are bang on. Better still, the Trailhawk off-road trim fits the A-UV quite well.
Though the Opel is available exclusively as an all-electric crossover, the CMP also offers 1.2- and 1.5-liter turbo gasoline and diesel engines in models such as the Corsa and Peugeot 208. In other words, the all-new model has makings of a sport utility vehicle with mass-market appeal.
On an ending note, have you heard that Jeep is rolling out the Wrangler 4xe this fall for the 2021 model year in the United States? As opposed to the plug-in hybrid Renegade and Compass, the body-on-frame SUV is likely to feature the electric motor up front instead of out back. Alternatively, the e-motor could be integrated into the eight-speed transmission.
Last time we’ve heard anything about the “ultra compact” SUV, head of marketing Marco Pigozzi mentioned “plenty of day-to-day practicality without compromising Jeep’s renowned off-road capability.” Expected to be slightly longer than the Suzuki Jimny, the baby crossover is now rumored to feature a different platform compared to the Fiat Panda 4x4.
Why, you’re asking? 2019 is when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and French automaker Groupe PSA agreed to merge on a 50-50 basis. Transitioning to the Common Modular Platform of the Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 Crossback is a no-brainer, and Jeep may have done it already. Lest we forget, the Corsa F was supposed to ride on a General Motors platform yet it features the CMP following PSA's acquisition of Opel and Vauxhall.
Also known as EMP1, this vehicle architecture serves as the basis of the all-new Opel Mokka. Marketed under the Vauxhall brand in the United Kingdom, the Mokka is just a lil' shorter than the Renegade.
Because of its footprint and underpinnings, pixel artist Kleber Silva took the Mokka and applied some Jeep styling cues to the front and rear ends. The rendering isn’t half bad, and the proportions are bang on. Better still, the Trailhawk off-road trim fits the A-UV quite well.
Though the Opel is available exclusively as an all-electric crossover, the CMP also offers 1.2- and 1.5-liter turbo gasoline and diesel engines in models such as the Corsa and Peugeot 208. In other words, the all-new model has makings of a sport utility vehicle with mass-market appeal.
On an ending note, have you heard that Jeep is rolling out the Wrangler 4xe this fall for the 2021 model year in the United States? As opposed to the plug-in hybrid Renegade and Compass, the body-on-frame SUV is likely to feature the electric motor up front instead of out back. Alternatively, the e-motor could be integrated into the eight-speed transmission.
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