8 February 2011
Only six months after its launch, the days may already be numbered for Jeep's Compass soft roader in this country. Oddly, the biggest threat to sales comes from one of Jeep's own; a second soft roader of near identical dimensions - ironically called the Patriot.
The Patriot is, for all intents and purposes, a Compass underneath but with more traditional Jeep styling, but the question begs asking: Why two vehicles in the same segment?
Jeep believe the two vehicles cater for different tastes, the Compass for those who want a contemporary-styled soft roader, the Patriot for those who don't mind a compromise in off-road ability, but enjoy the classic Jeep styling. That may fly in a market the size of the U.S but for a niche player in New Zealand's market, the cost and effort in marketing two models could prove unproductive if sales swing in one model's favour.
Given the brand loyalty typical Jeep customers traditionally demonstrate, we feel the iconically styled Patriot is likely to prove more popular.
Visually, the Patriot is all there and you'd be excused for mistaking the rugged Patriot for a Cherokee at first glance. The trapezoidal wheel arches, seven slot grill and slab-sided appearance all convey Jeep's ready for anything reputation and the square roofline gives the impression of size and space without being cumbersome to drive.
Two levels of specification are offered and prices have been aligned with the Compass, which itself sees significant savings across the range. Between $3,000 and $8,000 has been lopped off Compass pricing to combat poor sales performance since launch (only 17 Compasses were sold March - July 2007).
The entry-level Patriot Sport starts at an affordable $34,990 and spec levels are impressive.
Standard features across the range includes the 'Freedom drive' active full time four wheel drive system, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, stain resistant cloth interior, MP3 compatible audio, four airbags (front and curtain), Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Electronic Stability Program (ESP). The Limited adds conveniences such as fog lamps, leather interior, side airbags ($500 option on Sport), privacy glass and heated seating.
An advantage over the Compass, the Patriot's front passenger seat can be folded flat along with the rear seating to allow for a Kayak or surfboard, another practical feature is the removable and washable 'UltraFloor' plastic covering in the rear compartment.
Just the one drivetrain option is available for the Sport model, powered by Chrysler group's 2.4 litre four cylinder 'world engine' mated to a CVT transmission, Limited spec models offer a choice of the 2.4 litre petrol, with CVT or five-speed manual, or a Volkswagen sourced 2.0 litre diesel and six-speed manual.
As with the Compass, the petrol cruises around sweetly enough, but on the open road we found it underpowered. Developing 125kW @ 6000 rpm, and 220Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm its not exactly stirring stuff, the lack of low down grunt is made evident by the regular need for high rpm to really get going. It's a buzzy power unit, especially when matched to the gearless CVT.
If you can stretch to it, the diesel is worth the extra money.
With 103kW @ 4000 rpm and 310Nm @ 1750 rpm performance is strong, the sixth ratio also enables quieter, more relaxed cruising.
Jeep Patriot in snowWithout a low ratio transfer case like it's bigger brothers, the Patriot is technically a soft roader, but the Jeep off-road nouse runs deep. During the Queenstown launch, we evaluated the vehicle in conditions few Patriots are likely to be exposed to and the capable Freedom drive did the brand proud.
Differences between Jeep's two soft roaders is negligible and it really boils down to styling preferences, whether there's room for both the Compass and Patriot in the market, time will tell. But with more recognisable Jeep DNA, should one require culling, smart money is on the Patriot making the cut.