FirstDrive/Jeep Patriot:Jeep's Patriot looks and feels tough, and offers it all for a good price, reports Paddy Comyn.
The ever-expanding Jeep range grew even further with the arrival of the Patriot, released alongside the Chrysler Sebring. The Patriot is the new entry-point into the Jeep range, and is based on the same underpinnings as the Dodge Caliber.
It enters the market at a time where the SUV market in Ireland showed dramatic growth, thanks to the arrival of the Nissan Qashqai. While the Qashqai has been appealing for its pseudo-SUV looks and great value, the Patriot plays a similar tune, but has a much tougher-looking appearance and has the promise of genuine off-road ability if needed.
Jeep is keeping things simple with the Patriot, offering a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 140bhp and just one specification for €33,495. This from the outset might put it above Qashqai in terms of price, but it is less expensive than other compact SUVs such as the Nissan X-Trail, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The Patriot has a stance more similar to an MPV than an SUV, but has all the rugged design features that buyers in this segment covet. It also comes with an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system that is operated at the flick of a switch.
The electronic four-wheel-drive system anticipates when more traction is needed too, and automatically transfers power to the rear wheels when needed. A T-shaped handle on the centre console locks four-wheel-drive in place, splitting the torque 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
The Patriot won't have the same off-road ability as its larger Jeep cousins, but will have enough for most buyers.
The interior plastics are pretty good. They are hard wearing, but it feels right in this sort of vehicle. And the standard equipment is superb, with everything from 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, clever "Yes Essentials" fabric which resists stains, and safety features such as ESP and traction control.
The Patriot's 140bhp diesel is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and out on the open road the vehicle feels pretty well sorted. It shows excellent road manners and little body roll and the engine really suits the car.
It also helps the Patriot to be one of the lowest emission vehicles in its class, putting out just 180g/km, something, which is likely to make this SUV even cheaper come July.
The Patriot is a very likeable vehicle and it comes at a price that should make it a popular choice.
While many of its rivals give half-hearted attempts at looking like an SUV and end up pretty lame to drive, the Patriot is very charming and feels substantial and looks great value for money at the price.
It is also available as a commercial version, which comes in at €24,995 including VAT.Engine: 2.0-litre common rail diesel with 140bhp and 310Nm of torque, six-speed manual transmission
FACTFILE
Maximum speed: 189km/h
Performance:
0-100km/h: 11.0 secs
Fuel economy: 6.7 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 180g/km
Price: €33,495