Jeep Patriot: A Family Car

Jeep has formulated a new way of marketing its Patriot by presenting the Compass sibling as an interesting alternative to a conventional family car. The main idea behind such marketing concept is to introduce the Jeep Patriot as a vehicle having an off-road appeal for less---in short it a Jeep within the budget.

Jeep's new entry-level model targets family car buyers who prefer something different especially vehicles with combined rugged styling, a switchable four-wheel drive system and an economical diesel engine.

The Jeep Patriot although promoted as a family car is in every inch a Jeep. Its angular profile and seven-slot grille signifies it Jeep heritage. Come to think of it, the Patriot sure looks like a miniature Jeep. Although it's low ride height maybe in contrast with its off-road look and yet the Patriot still manages to look more appealing compared to its Compass brother. Both Compass and the Patriot share a VW-derived diesel engine.

Inside the Patriot is a further evidence of parts sharing with its Compass brother like for instance the simple cabin design which was borrowed from the Compass. There are also plenty of low-grade plastics and cheap switchgear dominating the interior but the bluff center console is improved by silver trim.

If there's one thing that the Patriot can boast of, it's in terms of practicality. It has plenty of room in the back for passengers and a decent 536-liter boot. It also has a washable floor that expands to 1,277 liters especially when the rear seats are folded flat. The Patriot just like its other Jeep brothers possesses a solid Jeep bumper which explains why it can smash through walls basing from accident reports involving Jeeps.

Anyway out on the road, the diesel engine is short on low-down punch which means that you would have to use the entire rev range to accomplish a decent progress. Its smooth six-speed manual gearbox aids drivers in achieving this and is responsible for most of the Patriot's performance.

When driving over demanding roads, the Patriot's undersized height guarantees efficient handling and despite the fact that the oil-burner is not the most refined component that it has, it can save up to 42 mpg.

The Patriot's low bodywork is also perfect for preventing any serious mud-plugging but of course this will not hinder buyers from purchasing the Patriot especially since it delivers its promise of tough looks at an affordable price.