• Patriot introduces rugged, classic Jeep styling to a new segment
• Interior features utility, flexibility and many unique innovations

The Jeep brand has continued its expansion into untravelled territory revealing the 2007 Jeep Patriot at the New York International Motor Show. This all-new compact sport-utility vehicle delivers fun, freedom and utility.

Based on the Jeep Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Patriot is a modern interpretation of traditional Jeep styling. The Jeep Patriot combines the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling and fuel economy of a compact car.

All-new Jeep technology gives Patriot more capability than any other vehicle in its class.

“The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot will be the most capable 4x4 in the compact SUV segment,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President – Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Jeep Patriot’s capability, combined with its classic Jeep design, interior flexibility and terrific fuel efficiency, will attract new buyers to the Jeep brand.”

Although not yet confirmed for sale in Australia, the 2007 Jeep Patriot will go on sale in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2006.

Jeep are planning an even greater presence in Australia this year with two all-new models arriving; the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will arrive in the fourth quarter and the seven-seat Jeep Commander arrives in May.

Most capable vehicle in its class
In the U.S. the Jeep Patriot is available in three drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Patriot also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain.

Freedom Drive I features a lockable centre coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode to handle deeper snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, suggesting it may be the most capable vehicle in the compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with a low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tyres and alloy wheels, a full-size spare tyre, air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for true off-road situations that include steep grades, wheel lift and rock or log climbing.

“The Jeep Patriot’s innovative Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package uses all-new Jeep 4x4 technology to achieve Trail Rated capability,” said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-Wheel-Drive Product Team. “This four-wheel-drive technology, developed by Jeep engineers, provides many of the benefits of a traditional transfer case without the additional weight.”

Jeep utility from the 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. Jeep Patriot has 1,006 milimetres of rear seat leg room, 1.53 cubic metres of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 1.78 cubic metres of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat.

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

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate; when the liftgate is open, the speakers swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
• Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity on standard radio
• Available 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
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Standard 60/40 rear seats that fold flat and have an available recline feature
• Ultra Floor™ - a washable and removable vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area
• YES Essentials™ Fabric - an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration

World-class Engineering
The 2007 Jeep Patriot’s powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance, fuel economy and refinement.

The Patriot features a 2.4-litre World Engine that produces 128 kW of power. This 2.4-litre World Engine has dual 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.

Jeep Patriot also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 per cent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic.

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