USED ENGLAND PATRIOTS? (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_jeeppatriot_061108

BY STEVE WALKER

Introductionword count: 101

Jeep built its name on vehicles that could boldly go where other 4x4s got stuck and forced their owners to trudge off in search of a farmer with a tractor and a tow rope. These rugged go-anywhere Jeeps are great if you want to pick your way down rock-strewn river beds, power along swampy tracks or make your neighbours think that's what you're up to on the weekends but most UK motorists aren't interested in that stuff. Jeep was limiting its market with this gung-ho image so the Patriot was introduced to show a softer side and broaden the brand's appeal.

Modelsword count: 11

Models Covered: 2007-to date (2.4 petrol, 2.0 CRD diesel [Sport, Limited])

Historyword count: 155

The Patriot arrived as a smaller, softer Jeep pitched at the kinds of buyers who were fuelling the growth in the compact 4x4 market. It wasn't the softest Jeep however, because the Patriot's launch in the summer of 2007 had been preceded by that of the Compass - a model running on the same platform but with toned-down looks and as little off-road capability as Jeep thought it could get away with at the time. At least the Patriot had four-wheel drive and the look of something that could scramble across a ploughed field if its life depended on it. There were two engines and two trim levels from launch. A 2.4-litre petrol unit and a more satisfying 2.0-litre CRD diesel sourced from Volkswagen provided the power while customers were invited to select Sport or Limited trims. In Spring 2009, a revised model was announced, the major improvements centring on a much higher quality interior.

What You Getword count: 163

Jeep's retro styling direction is easily discernable when walking round the Patriot. The high beltline, narrow side windows, flat body panels and upright windscreen angle are all design cues reminiscent of the early Cherokee, while the boxily flared wheel arches look straight from a Wrangler. The seven-slatted grille and round lights have become a Jeep totem and some rugged looking alloys complete the look. The Patriot is a car that looks a whole lot bigger than it is. Despite its imposing frontal aspect, it doesn't actually occupy much more space on the road than a Vauxhall Astra. While you can depend on some welcome Jeep design themes outside, you also get typically cheap interior plastics and a design that's functional without too much to get excited about. In UK trim, the Patriot offers a lot of standard equipment and space in the rear is surprisingly good. As long as you're not hung up on materials quality, there's not too much cause for complaint.

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