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2005 Jeep Patriot Concept

New Car-Based SUV Concept Remains "Trail Rated"

Of the two concept vehicles that Jeep has presented at this years Frankfurt motor show, the Patriot sticks closest to the Jeep textbook. Unlike the Compass, its mechanical twin which aims to diversify Jeeps "Trail Rated" portfolio away from off-road ruggedness to more refined styling and car-like driving dynamics, the Patriot hits right at the heart of the compact 4x4 market. With an aim to spread the Jeep brand to all markets, the Patriots purpose is to take the traditional image of Jeep and delve into uncharted territories of the compact SUV segment with a car-based product derived from the new Euro-centric Dodge Caliber hatchback chassis and drivetrain architectures.

In terms of the Patriot concepts appearance, Jeep has chosen to revisit its history books. Like the full-size

The Patriot hits right at the heart of the compact 4x4 market. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

Commander SUV, this little ute harks back to the 80s and 90s style Cherokee, whose boxy midsize shell became an icon next to the great full-size Wagoneer and legendary Wrangler. Here, the simplistic styling carries new attributes, such as ruggedness, authenticity, freedom and adventure, without pretentious gimmicks.

Senior VP of design Trevor Creed had this to say about the Patriots styling: "Simple, geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriots timeless, purpose-built design." Ah, fancy talk for slab-sided goodness, a styling theme that has proven

Its a perfect canvas for the market that Jeep is trying to lure in - young buyers who want Jeep capabilities, but without the large, heavy frame and associated costly fuel bills. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

to keep buyers coming back for more. But really, its a perfect canvas for the market that Jeep is trying to lure in - young buyers who want Jeep capabilities, but without the large, heavy frame and associated costly fuel bills.

Place the Patriot against the Compass and it stands out with plenty of gear familiar to the off-roading crowd. Bare plastic is used on the flared fenders and door handles, promoting durability, while brushed metal skid plates protect delicate internal and undercarriage components. Like the Liberty Renegade, the Patriot features stand-up fog lamps affront its vertical grille, while a sturdy roof rack gives

Jeeps paranoia of curves has one distinct advantage over most compact SUVs; cargo space. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

muddy or oversized cargo a mode of mess-free transportation. Jeeps paranoia of curves has one distinct advantage over most compact SUVs; cargo space. It was one of the top priorities for the designers, allowing travelers to bring along more stuff without folding down the rear seats. And even if hauling some residue from the wild outdoors inside the Jeeps cargo bay, its sturdy, wipe-down plastics should more than deal with it.

With deep tinted windows and a relatively large metal to glass ratio with high window lines, Jeep is emphasizing passenger safety and security - a deviation from the original Cherokee. Whats not covered in heavy duty metals and or scuff-resistant plastic is painted in a rather militaristic Armor Green metallic paint. Essentially, to fans that believe a real Jeep must incorporate

This one slots in directly under the Liberty, but offers the kind of ruggedness and versatility that outdoor activity-friendly vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra offer. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

live axles and a transfer case, the Patriot looks the part, and as such, is the lesser of the two evils.

Overall, the Patriot is 173.7 inches long, 69.1 inches wide, and 65.6 inches tall with a wheelbase of 103.7 inches, the latter number about the same length as the Wrangler Unlimited - marking new territory for the SUV maker. In other words, this one slots in directly under the Liberty, but delivers the kind of ruggedness and versatility that outdoor activity-friendly vehicles such as the Nissan Xterra offer - well maybe.

Undisclosed is information about its drivetrain, but Jeep refutes that the Patriot is good enough to not only make it best in class against the likes of cute utes but also strong and rugged enough for its revered "Trail Rated" designation, unlike its Compass twin. Because the Patriot is based on the same platform as the Caliber, which will be available with all-wheel drive when

Knobby mud and snow tires fitted to 17-inch alloy wheels give this little puppy the extra ground clearance and traction it needs for tackling more than just paved parking lots and mild dirt roads. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

it goes on sale, its suspected that an advanced version of the Calibers drivetrain is incorporated. While no transfer case would be offered if made available, an electronically adjustable unit (without a conventional low-range) similar to the system in Land Rovers Freelander may be used.

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