Patriot stays softroad

Jeep has stayed on the softroader route with its latest model, the Patriot.

The new model, which made its international debut in Portland Oregon yesterday, will arrive Down Under with identical running gear to its softroader stablemate, the Compass (more here).

Indeed, save for "Jeep Classic" styling and a mild interior revamp, the Aussie Patriot will be near identical to the "Jeep Modern" Compass when it goes on sale in late July or early August. That translates to an automatic part-time all-road all-wheel drive system, moderate ground clearance and no underbody protection.

In only matching the Compass spec, Jeep has eschewed the option of giving the traditional styled compact five-door a (slightly) harder edge via a US-market ‘Offroad' package.

In the US market, Patriot buyers can opt for an ‘Offroad' version with revised gearing for the CVT transmission, more aggressive higher-profile tyres and a handy 25-30mm suspension lift. Also included in the $US750 "Trail Rated" option pack are uprated lower rear control arms, underbody protection and upgrades to the Patriot's transmission cooler, radiator and alternator.

Jeep says around 10 per cent of US Patriot buyers are opting for the ‘Offroad' pack which also includes recalibrated all-wheel drive software and Hill Start and Descent functions.

According to Chrysler-Jeep Australia spokesperson, David McCarthy: "We have no plans, at present, to offer an Offroad equipped Patriot in Australia. In fact, at this stage that vehicle is not certified for international markets."

Patriot will hit the Aussie market with the choice of both 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines along with a considerable range of add-ons including roof carrier systems, dress-up items and the like.

Fans of the original Cherokee range will find the styling familiar – despite the vastly different underpinnings the silhouettes of the two cars are uncannily close. The pictures show the standard Patriot and a concept vehicle in orange, developed for the SEMA show later in the year.

Though full pricing details are still to be confirmed, spec-for-spec the Patriot will undercut the Compass by between $1000-1200. With the Compass starting at $31,490, the Patriot is expected to kick off at just over the $30K mark.

Jeep says it will compete against the likes of the new-for-Oz Nissan Dualis and RAV4. Internationally at least, the company says neither the CRV nor X-TRAIL are in its sights. The Honda and Nissan have grown too large to be considered as a compact SUV, Jeep says.

Locally, the US brand expects to match or better the Compass' sales performance with the Patriot. Though the two vehicles will compete head-to-head, Jeep says its sales clinics indicate the buyer profile for the new car is quite different.

"We expect a higher percentage of male buyers will opt for the Patriot," McCarthy told the Carsales Network.

"The Patriot will also appeal to those buyers who want to be part of the Jeep brand, but don't necessarily want a full-house offroader," he said.

Look for the Carsales Network's launch review of the new Jeep Patriot soon.

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