New Jeep Patriot review

The new Jeep Patriot is an enjoyable and pleasant vehicle, constituting an entry-level model range for the whole Jeep brand with a starting price just under the Jeep Compass models launched recently.

Whilst the compact five door hatchback sized Patriot it instantly recognisable as a Jeep model, the more expensive Compass, priced from £17,995 to £19,010, has smoother styling lines and is promoted as a soft-roader. Both share the same engines, drive system, body platform and suspension.

Prices for the Patriot, described as a vehicle with the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and handling of a family hatchback, range from £15,995 to £18,795.

There is the choice of 2.4-litre, 168bhp petrol or 2.0-litre, 138bhp turbodiesel engines and all models have an all wheel drive system that automatically switches between two and four wheel traction depending on everyday driving conditions, on or off road.

Steve Gray, marketing director for Chrysler Group UK, said “The Patriot is an important entry point model for us. Key players in the compact SUV segment have all recently introduced new models, the Honda CR-V, the Land Rover Freelander and the Toyota RAV4, they are all bigger and more expensive than the models they replace.

"Their move up in size and price gives us an opportunity in the car derived SUV sector. The most obvious competitors now are the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tuscon, Chevrolet Captiva and Suzuki Grand Vitara but SUV and hatchback crossover models such as the Volkswagen Golf Plus and Nissan Qashqai are also competitors.”

Jeep say that depending on the model chosen, the Patriots are between 1.5 and 19.4 per cent better value once adjusted for specification against the competition.

Grey added, “The Patriot is modern, but still styled as a traditional Jeep and we have not had this price range before in the Jeep brand. It is lighter and more fuel efficient. Modern electronics allow the vehicle to be driven in front wheel drive or four wheel drive automatically. The Patriot brings nippiness, agility and yet it is fuel efficient.”

“Customers for the Patriot will be classic Jeep buyers but a greater number, and our primary targets, are young families and second car users.”

Around 1,500 Patriot sales are likely in the UK this year with probably double that in a full year. Around 80 per cent of customers are expected to choose a diesel model with the Sport 2.0-litre VW sourced diesel engine, priced at £16,995, being the most popular version.

The standard Sport model is the sensible choice. It has electrically operated windows, air conditioning, a good sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels and loads of room for five people with luggage space to match. Limited specification models add little in the way of must-have items.

The 2.0-litre VW-sourced diesel engine is also the best choice although no automatic transmission is available yet for this unit, only for the 2.4-litre petrol engine.

In short the Patriot is the best handling Jeep in the range. I was mightily impressed with the body control and ride comfort and the diesel engine, although a little noisy at times, pulled and accelerated really well.

The space inside the car is commendable, ideal for a family and versatile enough to double up as a rugged workhorse or load carrier if needed.

Milestones

Price: £16,995

Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre, four cylinder, turbodiesel, 138bhp, 229lb ft of torque from 1,750rpm, two or four wheel drive traction engaged automatically as required

Performance: 117mph, 0-62mph 11.0 seconds, 42.2mpg, CO2 180g/km, VED Band E £165

Insurance group: 11E

Max towing capacity braked: 1,360kg

For: A very commendable, well priced, good handling, roomy and well equipped offering

Against: 4x4 looks will not appeal to everybody.

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