New baby Jeep to target Corolla buyers
Jeep planning all-new pint-sized crossover for global markets from next yearJeep has promised that its all-new compact SUV to be sold globally from next year will match the efficiency and ride quality of small hatchbacks and sedans like the Toyota Corolla.
Speaking to US website Edmunds at a 2014 model preview by the Chrysler Group in North America, Jeep CEO Mike Manley said the as-yet-unnamed baby Jeep will be 4.2 metres long, making it a little longer than a Ford Fiesta and 400mm shorter than the upcoming Cherokee mid-size SUV.
Manley said Jeep expects its new compact crossover, which will be based on a front-wheel drive Fiat platform and assembled in Italy, will be cross-shopped by buyers of small passenger hatchbacks and sedans.
“From a ride and fuel economy perspective, it will be competitive,” he told Edmunds, adding that it will offer “the utility that you will get in an SUV in terms of cabin space and everything else.”
Although a right-hand drive version is yet to be confirmed, Jeep has stated the new model will be marketed globally from 2014, and Manley says that key markets will include Europe, China and North America.
“The weight of that (compact SUV) market today is outside North America, predominately Europe,” he said. “It is growing in China. I think when we launch our SUV here, you are going to see quite significant growth in that segment in the US.”
If sold here, Jeep’s new baby will be a direct rival for a host new small SUVs, including the upcoming Holden Trax, Ford EcoSport, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur.
Chrysler Group’s Vehicle Line Executive for International Products and Programs, John Mrozowski, acknowledged there was strong demand for small SUVs in Australia, but declined to confirm whether the new baby Jeep will replace the Compass and Patriot here.
“Will there be a replacement for the Patriot/Compass? There’s certainly demand for that type of vehicle and right now there is no launch date, but there is demand for that type of vehicle,” he told motoring.com.au.
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