| Jeep Patriot Arrives In Europe | ||
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(Tue 06 Mar 07) Jeep is giving the new Patriot model its European debut at the Geneva Show, several months ahead of its UK launch.
The Patriot is a compact SUV with the chunky looks which Jeep customers have said they prefer (an opinion which led to the introduction of the Commander). It uses the same platform as the Dodge Caliber, though unlike that car it has four-wheel drive. Not all the time, though. In normal driving conditions the Patriot drives through the front wheels only. Four-wheel drive comes in only when the electronics sense that power should be distributed more equally to improve grip in difficult conditions. As with the Caliber, the Patriot uses Volkswagen's 138bhp two-litre turbo diesel engine along with a six-speed manual gearbox. In this form the Patriot has a combined fuel economy figure of 43.5mpg. The alternative choice - and probably the less popular one in the this country - is a 168bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit which comes with either a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic. In the UK, there will be two trim levels, known as Sport and Limited. Sales will begin in July, and prices will be announced nearer the time. Previous: Supercar Hire Club Next: Nissan Sponsors Horse Trials |
