Jeep® Brand at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva

All-new Jeep® Patriot Delivers Classic Jeep Styling and Entry-level Price Point to Attract New International Customers to the Brand

  • Jeep® Patriot introduces rugged, classic Jeep styling at an affordable price to markets outside North America
  • Left-hand and right-hand drive, plus petrol and diesel engine options
  • Patriot’s interior features utility, flexibility and many cool innovations
  • Jeep 4x4 technology and standard safety systems give drivers added security
Auburn Hills, Mich. February 19, 2007 -

At the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva, the Jeep® brand continues its expansion into new territory with the European premiere of the Jeep Patriot — an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) that delivers fun, freedom, utility and Jeep 4x4 technology. Patriot represents the new, competitive entry-level price point for the Jeep brand and will be available outside North America in left-hand and right-hand drive with petrol and diesel engine options.

“The Jeep Patriot will offer an attractive new choice in the compact SUV segment,” said Thomas Hausch, Executive Director – International Sales and Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Jeep Patriot’s capability, combined with its classic Jeep design, interior flexibility and terrific fuel efficiency, will attract new buyers and give Jeep enthusiasts a capable new Jeep at an entry-level price point.”

Based on the Jeep Patriot concept first shown at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the Patriot is a modern interpretation of classic Jeep styling. Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a C-segment car.

Jeep Patriot is loaded with many standard safety features, including side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) and Electronic Roll Mitigation, all of which add to Patriot’s tremendous value. Patriot is also available in Europe and other international markets with Freedom Drive I™, a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode.

The two Jeep Patriot models, Patriot Sport and Patriot Limited, will be available in markets outside North America starting in the second quarter of this year. Patriot is an integral part of the Jeep brand’s global expansion from three models in 2005 to seven in 2007 — the most available to retail consumers at one time in the 65-year history of Jeep vehicles.

A Modern Interpretation of Classic Jeep Styling
Strong and capable, the Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact SUV buyers who want classic Jeep styling. Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand’s key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, while also offering excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value.

“Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot’s timeless proportions,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. “Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image.”

Jeep Patriot is built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. Patriot’s face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, a robust bumper and round headlamps.

A stiff windscreen and upright rear screen combine to create Jeep Patriot’s easily identifiable side view. Classic Jeep design cues include signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Patriot’s high beltline completes the vehicle’s protective side profile.

The rear of the vehicle features an upright backlight and a bold bumper, both of which further illustrate the Jeep Patriot’s interior spaciousness and add to its rugged appearance and capability. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to Patriot’s spacious and functional interior.

Jeep Utility, Both Inside and Out
Jeep Patriot’s flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. A command-of-the-road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control, while the 2635-millimetre (103.7-inch) wheelbase helps to create a truly spacious cabin. Front seat occupants enjoy generous space with 1040 millimetres (40.9 inches) of maximum headroom, 1032 millimetres (40.6 inches) of legroom and 1329 millimetres (52.3 inches) of hip room.

At the rear, Jeep Patriot has 1014 millimetres (39.9 inches) of headroom, 1000 millimetres (39.4 inches) of rear seat leg room and 651 litres (23 cubic feet, SAE) of cargo space with the rear seats upright. Cargo space grows to 1535 litres (54.2 cubic feet, SAE) with the rear seats folded flat and expands to 1775 litres (62.7 cubic feet, SAE) when the front passenger seat back is also folded flat. This leaves plenty of room for a 2.5-metre (8-foot) ladder, skis or lengths of wood from the timber yard.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Patriot has many clever and unique interior features that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

  • An available 458-watt nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer and two articulating speakers packaged in the tailgate; when the tailgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward and play music to augment outdoor activities
  • Available full-screen navigation system
  • Dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
  • Sliding centre armrest that moves forward 76 millimetres (3 inches) to accommodate shorter drivers; the armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a mobile phone or an MP3 player
  • Fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for versatility
  • Flexible 60/40 split rear seats that fold flat and also recline
  • Ultra Floor™ – a washable and removable vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area with a 113-kilogram (250-pound) load capacity
  • Available YES Essentials® seat fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odours and discolouration

Jeep 4x4 Technology and Safety
Jeep is confident that customers will be well served by the Freedom Drive I system, which is standard on all Jeep Patriot models outside North America and gives drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions.

Freedom Drive I is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features an electronically controlled lockable centre coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode when navigating deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces. In Lock mode, up to 60 per cent of torque is sent to the rear axle.

Jeep Patriot outside North America has 203 millimetres (8 inches) of ground clearance, a 21-degree approach angle, 33-degree departure angle and 20-degree breakover angle. Patriot Sport and Limited models ride on standard 17-inch aluminium wheels and summer performance tyres.

Jeep Patriot also demonstrates that utility, capability and safety go hand in hand. Standard safety features on all Patriot models include:

  • Advanced multi-stage front air bags
  • Supplemental side-curtain air bags
  • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
  • Brake Assist System
  • Brake Traction Control System
  • Electronic Roll Mitigation
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with rough-road detection

World-class Engineering
The Jeep Patriot’s powertrain options are designed to deliver performance, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable, entry-level price.

As standard, Jeep Patriot Sport and Limited models feature a 2.4-litre petrol World Engine that produces 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 222 Nm (164 lb.-ft.) of torque. This 2.4-litre World Engine has Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. This engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. An automatic Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT) is available as an option.

The Jeep Patriot’s CVT is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 to 8 per cent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transmission. Patriot’s CVT also improves vehicle performance compared with an automatic transmission because of optimised gear ratios, especially during overtaking manoeuvres in the 50 to 100 km/h (30 to 60 mph) range. This transmission features Auto Stick, which allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears.

In many markets outside North America, the optional diesel powertrain will be the engine of choice. This state-of-the-art, direct-injection four-cylinder turbo diesel power plant is fitted with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. It generates 103 kW (140 hp DIN) and 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) of torque at just 1750 rpm, positioning Jeep Patriot competitively in its class. The diesel powertrain is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

Jeep Patriot Production
Production of the Jeep Patriot began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Illinois) Assembly Plant in the U.S. The standard 2.4-litre World Engine is built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) assembly plant in Dundee, Mich.

Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand’s 65-year history of legendary capability has made it synonymous with freedom, adventure, mastery and authenticity. Today, the Jeep brand continues to deliver on its promise to provide versatile, innovative four-wheel-drive vehicles. By the end of 2007, the Jeep brand lineup will include Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee (Liberty in North America) and Wrangler, plus the all-new Compass, Patriot and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited. All of these vehicles will include diesel and petrol powertrain options.

Jeep brand vehicle sales outside North America in 2006 totalled 85,591 units, an increase of 2 per cent as compared with 2005. Jeep Grand Cherokee was the highest volume vehicle outside North America in 2006 with 39,208 units sold. Globally, the Jeep brand sold 595,080 units in 2006.

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)
The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Mich., delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. By optimising the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication (Feb. 20, 2007) and is subject to change without notice. Specifications are valid for Europe and may vary in other markets.

General Information
Body Style: Five-door sport-utility vehicle
Assembly Plant: Belvidere, Ill., USA

Engines
2.4-litre Petrol World Engine
Availability: Standard for Sport and Limited models
Type and Description: Four cylinders in line, tuned intake manifold with Electronic Active Charge Motion Control valves, dual counter-rotating balance shafts, dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
Displacement: 2.4 litres (2360cc/144 cu. in.)
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 97mm (3.46 x 3.82 in.)
Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Maximum Power: 125 kW (170 hp DIN) @ 6000 rpm (70.8 hp/litre)
Maximum Torque: 222 Nm (164 lb.-ft.) @ 4400 rpm
Emission Class: Euro 4

2.0-litre Turbo Diesel Engine
Availability: Optional for Sport and Limited models
Type and Description: Four cylinders in line, turbocharged
Displacement: 2.0 litres (1968cc/120.1 cu. in.)
Bore x Stroke: 81 x 95.5mm (3.19 x 3.76 in.)
Compression Ratio: 18:1
Maximum Power: 103 kW (140 hp DIN) @ 4000 rpm (70 hp/litre)
Maximum Torque: 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.) @ 1750-2500 rpm
Emission Class: Euro 4

Transaxles
Five-speed Manual
Availability: Standard with 2.4-litre World Engine
Description: Magna Driveline T355: Five-speed, overdrive, synchronised in all forward ratios, cable-operated, three-plane shifter

Continuously Variable Automatic
Availability: Optional with 2.4-litre World Engine
Description: Jatco CVT: Continuously variable ratio, lock-up torque converter, electronic controls, Auto Stick

Six-speed Manual
Availability: Standard with 2.0 CRD engine
Description: Aisin BG6: Six-speed, overdrive, synchronised in all forward ratios, cable-operated, four-plane shifter with reverse lock-out ring

Drivetrain
Type: Freedom Drive I: Full-time four-wheel drive, Electronically Controlled Coupling with four-wheel-drive Lock mode
Front Differential: Open
Rear Differential: Open

Chassis and Running Gear
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers, stabiliser bar
Rear Suspension: Multi-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabiliser bar, gas-charged shock absorbers
Steering Type: Rack and pinion with hydraulic power assist
Wheels and Tyres (standard fit): 17 x 6.5 in. with 215/60R17 summer performance tyres
Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, TCS, ESP

Dimensions and Accommodations
Dimensions are in millimetres (inches) unless otherwise noted.

Overall Length: 4408 (173.5)
Overall Width: 1785 (70.3) without mirrors
Overall Height: 1667.7 (65.6) with roof rack
Wheelbase: 2635 (103.7)
Track, Front: 1520 (59.8)
Track, Rear: 1520 (59.8)
Seating Capacity: Two front, three rear
Cargo Compartment Volume: 651 litres (23 cu. ft.) with rear seats upright, SAE standard




Contact Information

Ariel Gavilan
Office: (248) 512-3404
Cell: (248) 495-4645

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