14 Sep 05
The Jeep concepts, Patriot and Compass Rallye, have been extensively previewed in the run-up to the show, but take on a different character in the context of Chrysler's carefully-built stage set.
Balanced around fake rocks, the Patriot and the Compass Rallye are both proposals for new compact SUVs in the Freelander/RAV4 sector. They show that Jeep design is splitting into two distinct camps, which the company has dubbed 'Rugged' and 'Modern'. The Patriot is, like the huge seven-seat Commander also on show, a Rugged product, with upright grille, boxy outline and a no-compromises character. It's not a hint at the next-generation Cherokee, however, though it is nearer in size to this than to the other concept, the Compass Rallye: the next Cherokee, a sister model to the Dodge Nitro, will be more luxury-oriented. The Patriot, should it go into production, will be targeted at a younger, trendier audience, and will be more accessibly priced.
The 'Modern' Compass Rallye, meanwhile, is a development of the earlier three-door Compass concept; now with five doors and a more car-like profile, it is more of a crossover wagon than an all-out 4x4, though Chrysler promises that it will have true Jeep off-roading ability nonetheless. Although there are styling cues common to all Jeeps, it is more in the vein of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee than the Wrangler and Commander.
It "broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand", says Chrysler. "It's a contemporary-styled Jeep concept that targets new buyers who might not have previously considered the brand. Compact and nimble, (it) is designed to offer a fun-to-drive experience, performance and fuel economy unexpected in the highly-competitive compact SUV segment."
Both concepts - and the Commander, which goes on sale shortly - demonstrate Chrysler's plans to expand the Jeep brand worldwide, and to increase the variety of models in the Jeep line-up. The Compass and Rallye could go into production for world markets "as soon as next year", says Chrysler, and since they feature the same 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines as the Caliber and similar underpinnings, they're entirely production-feasible in the near future. We can expect to see Dodge- and Chrysler-branded sister models as well.
Potential Jeep buyers, can try before buying: Chrysler has constructed an outdoor off-roading course in the grounds of the exhibition centre, with fun for all the family. It calls this free-entry facility "Camp Jeep" - not referring to the soft-top Wrangler - and says that it "will give motor show attendees a chance to experience the extreme on- and off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles and to experience other Jeep-related activities."
