Standard safety equipment includes ESP, ABS with off road calibration, Brake Traction Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation
Cool innovations; combined with practicality to make this the ultimate vehicle for your city or adventure lifestyle
The all-new compact Jeep Patriot has arrived in New Zealand and provides an affordable entry into the legendary Jeep range.
Priced from just $34,990, the Jeep Patriot arrives as lavishly equipped, offering a combination of superb value and an opportunity for buyers in this market segment to own an authentic Jeep.
The 2007 Jeep Patriot boasts strong lines and a rugged appeal. Though it may be traditional in style, much like the famous XJ model Cherokee of the 1980s and 1990s, the Patriot is pure 21st century in all-round performance, handling and fuel economy.
“Patriot is for people who prefer the classic SUV styling of a Jeep, yet also want a vehicle that has modern technology, is practical to drive around town and is economical to own,” says Craig Bradshaw, General Manager of Chrysler Group of New Zealand.
In addition to traditional style, the Jeep Patriot offers the packaging and interior flexibility that SUV owners have come to love and combines it with the convenience of a small-to-medium sized car – plus a very capable 4x4 ability.
The Patriot’s square architecture delivers exceptional space for five adults and their belongings. A very long wheelbase of 2635mm translates into impressive legroom, especially for those in the rear, who get 1010mm of leg space. Behind the rear seats there’s 536 litres of cargo space and that increases to 1357 litres when the rear seats are folded forward and the front passenger seat folds flat. The seats are trimmed in leather upholstery, as is the steering wheel and gear knob.
Practical innovations such as a removable/rechargeable flashlight, a centre arm rest designed to hold an MP3 player or mobile phone and an optional articulating speaker system in the rear liftgate help set Jeep Patriot apart from the competition.
In true SUV style, the driver and passengers sit higher than a car, giving them a better view of the road ahead, making them feel safer and more comfortable. Safety plays a major role in the new Patriot, putting it among the leaders in its class.
Standard active safety features include Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Distribution. Not to mention the additional traction provided by the full-time active four-wheel-drive system.
Patriot occupants are also well protected by front and side curtain airbags, knee bolsters and a strong safety cell with advanced front and rear crumple zones among its long list of passive safety items.
The Jeep Patriot is capable of getting to places that would stop many other vehicles in their tracks, thanks to high ground clearance and the Freedown Drive 1 four-wheel-drive system, which includes the ability to lock both axles together to improve traction.
Freedom Drive 1 is a full-time system that operates on tar seal as well as off road, featuring an electronically controlled coupling (ECC), attached to the rear differential. Patriot’s ECC system is more flexible, more precise and lighter than viscous-coupling or gerotor systems. The system contributes to Patriot’s excellent fuel economy by operating only when needed, minimising power-robbing friction and inertia.
The axles can be locked together by activating the chrome T-handle next to the transmission lever. This lock mode ensures that the ECC sends the maximum amount of torque to the rear axle (up to 50 per cent) for improved traction.
Jeep Patriot is available in two engine options – the petrol 2.4-litre World Engine and a European-built 2.0-litre turbocharged common rail diesel.
The 2.4-litre engine features Dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds for improved response. Among other benefits of this high technology employed are more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. It produces 125kW of power, 220Nm of torque and has a combined used fuel consumption of 8.9 L/100km.
For the ultimate fuel economy in the Patriot, the state-of-the-art, direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine delivers up to 5.5L/100km on the open road and in combined driving it returns an average of 6.7L/100km, driving through the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Featuring high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder technology, this engine delivers 103kW of power, peak torque of 310Nm.
Jeep Patriot prices start with the 2.4 CVT transmission Sport model at $34,990, equipped with YES Essentials easy-clean fabric upholstery, air conditioning, premium security alarm activated by central locking remote, power windows, power folding/heated door mirrors, cargo cover, roof luggage rails, 17-inch alloy wheels and full size spare wheel.
Moving up the range, the 2.4 Limited is $36,990 for the five-speed manual transmission model and $38,990 with CVT transmission. The 2.0 diesel 6-speed Limited is $40,990. The Limited package includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls and 6-CD sound system.
