Autoblog: Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat... Panda, here we come!

argatoga · November 4th, 2009, 9:45 PM

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/j...s-from-fiat-p/

Quote:

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It's also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

thevictor390 · November 4th, 2009, 9:47 PM

The 4x4 Panda is way more Jeep than the Compass ever was. The Patriot was kind of cool in an enormous-ugly-impractical sort of way (I was stunned by the amount of cargo space when I first saw the hatch open, and not in a good way).

AiR · November 4th, 2009, 9:56 PM

Everyone likes a Panda.

teeb · November 4th, 2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

I imagine this will please the die-hard fans.

Although I wonder how much work you'd have to do to (an admittedly lovely) Panda 4x4 to make it Rubicon-compatible...

Spectre · November 4th, 2009, 10:10 PM

Fit skid plates, increase ride height and suspension travel, and replace the viscous coupling with a proper transfer case.

2Billion · November 4th, 2009, 10:55 PM

I might actually have to look at a Jeep showroom next time I'm looking for a car. That's just strange.

Blayde · November 4th, 2009, 10:57 PM

SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

The little offroader that could

smib · November 5th, 2009, 2:12 AM

Good news. Though if Jeep wants some of my money, they need to make the Lower 40.

JipJopJones · November 5th, 2009, 2:56 AM

An optional Trail rated package? I'm confused, does this mean that the FWD panda will still be availalbe under the Jeep name? If so... that's lame.

All Jeeps should be trail rated and have a proper transfer case... none of this FWD based crap.

Spectre · November 5th, 2009, 3:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JipJopJones

An optional Trail rated package? I'm confused, does this mean that the FWD panda will still be availalbe under the Jeep name? If so... that's lame.

All Jeeps should be trail rated and have a proper transfer case... none of this FWD based crap.

Yeah, but it wouldn't be a change from what they have now. Remember, ze Chermanns decided it would be a good idea for Jeep to sell two FWD based cars as Jeeps.

Jacobfox · November 5th, 2009, 3:12 AM

The little 4x4 panda's apparently a pretty capable piece of kit. It's apparently what the Italian Police use in ski towns because it'll climb up damn near anything.

thevictor390 · November 5th, 2009, 3:14 AM

Yeah, Fifth Gear had a special on it where they raced it off-road against a Range Rover. It lost but did decently, IIRC.

BerserkerCatSplat · November 5th, 2009, 3:15 AM

I'm for it, as long as the only version available for purchase is the 4X4 one. It's a bit cutesy for a Jeep, but they have to hit their average MPG numbers somehow.

To balance it out, they'll obviously have to put the Hurricane into production.

JipJopJones · November 5th, 2009, 3:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spectre

Yeah, but it wouldn't be a change from what they have now. Remember, ze Chermanns decided it would be a good idea for Jeep to sell two FWD based cars as Jeeps.

Well yes, but that doesn't mean it was a good idea in the first place.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacobfox

The little 4x4 panda's apparently a pretty capable piece of kit. It's apparently what the Italian Police use in ski towns because it'll climb up damn near anything.

Will it climb this?

thevictor390 · November 5th, 2009, 3:16 AM

This was it:

+ YouTube Video

JCE · November 5th, 2009, 4:48 AM

I like the look of that Panda Jeep.

I won't buy one but at least I like knowing it will be bought by someone.

Spectre · November 5th, 2009, 4:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JipJopJones

Well yes, but that doesn't mean it was a good idea in the first place.

I'm just thrilled that they're reducing the number of Fail Wheel Drive based Jeeps from 2 to 1 and bringing back the Rubicon as the benchmark.

Dr_Grip · November 5th, 2009, 10:27 AM

Maybe all Jeeps will be 4x4, but the Trail Rate package will include things like skid plates etc... a Subaru Justy was 4x4, but not exactely off-road capable, too.

Polly · November 5th, 2009, 10:33 AM

Just call it the Jeep Panda Patriot Eagle Muslimbeater and all will be well.

NooDle · November 5th, 2009, 12:14 PM

^that.

Also, Fiat Panda 4x4 is awesome. Lotsa people used them in the hilly parts of italy, and even with more poweeeeeer I couldn't keep up with them.

It may be because I suck at driving, but still, WANT

November 4th, 2009, 10:10 PM	#5
Spectre Joined: Feb 1st, 2007 Last Online: 10:26 AM Location: Dallas, Texas Age: 32 Posts: 8,359 Car: 87 XJ6, 95 XJR, 90 WD21, 86 CB700SC, 98 PC800 Rep Power: 191	Fit skid plates, increase ride height and suspension travel, and replace the viscous coupling with a proper transfer case. __________________ Enough is enough. We are not here to subsidize your clueless business plans or reward your failures. 1986 Honda Nighthawk 700S (project, light restoration in progress) 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Series III Vanden Plas (modified) 1990 Nissan (WD21) Pathfinder SE 4x4 (little red offroad commuter box) 1995 Jaguar (X300) XJR 1998 Honda Pacific Coast PC800 (two-wheeled pickup truck/utility bike)

November 4th, 2009, 10:57 PM	#7
Blayde Joined: Dec 20th, 2004 Last Online: Yesterday Location: Bahrain Posts: 2,377 Car: '02 Nissan X-Trail, '06 Honda Civic EXi Rep Power: 85	SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET The little offroader that could __________________ Crayon'd in MS Paint Some say he migrated when fuel hit 4 pounds per gallon and that he can make 'special price' for you. All we know is, he's the Stig's Arab cousin; Al-Stig!

November 5th, 2009, 2:12 AM	#8
smib Joined: Aug 31st, 2007 Last Online: 1:31 PM Location: Bristol, Connecticut Age: 22 Posts: 2,201 Car: 2008 Scion tC LFS Status: Rep Power: 84	Good news. Though if Jeep wants some of my money, they need to make the Lower 40. __________________ PunisherBass: ANYONE with an IQ higher than a jar of mayo wouldn't be able to get through the scientology mumbojumbo without laughing their ass off. Clegg: PunisherBass, quit insulting mayo. "Sorry for the short replies, I can't use my left hand. In fact the whole left side of my body feels like it got hit by a planet. The right side is better, it only got hit by a truck." -Blind_Io I am an audiosurf elite champion, motherfucker. I support Koenigseggggggsegggegggegigioabbavikingsaab. Do you?

November 5th, 2009, 2:56 AM	#9
JipJopJones Joined: Aug 17th, 2006 Last Online: 9:22 AM Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 1,867 Car: 1977 Jeep CJ5/1991 Jeep Cherokee Rep Power: 33	An optional Trail rated package? I'm confused, does this mean that the FWD panda will still be availalbe under the Jeep name? If so... that's lame. All Jeeps should be trail rated and have a proper transfer case... none of this FWD based crap. __________________ XBL Gamer Tag: JipJopJones Eh? Rest well in the Hands of your new owner El Camino you will be mine again some day.

November 5th, 2009, 3:12 AM	#11
Jacobfox Joined: May 24th, 2005 Last Online: 8:05 AM Location: Sacramento, CA/Chicago, IL Age: 20 Posts: 3,174 Car: Audi S6, Armada, F430, BMW M3 Rep Power: 79	The little 4x4 panda's apparently a pretty capable piece of kit. It's apparently what the Italian Police use in ski towns because it'll climb up damn near anything. __________________ 2007 Ferrari F430 (Rosso Rubino Micalizzato, Cuoio Interior, Carbon Upper Dash & wheel, Stradale Rims) Jake- Priest of the Prancing Horse, Archbishop of the four rings. Blaro, No Boss and Jacobfox- RickRolling since 1989.

November 4th, 2009, 9:47 PM	#2
thevictor390 Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 4:02 PM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 1,999 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 65	The 4x4 Panda is way more Jeep than the Compass ever was. The Patriot was kind of cool in an enormous-ugly-impractical sort of way (I was stunned by the amount of cargo space when I first saw the hatch open, and not in a good way).

November 4th, 2009, 9:56 PM	#3
AiR Joined: Dec 19th, 2005 Last Online: 1:11 PM Location: La Suède Posts: 2,241 Car: 2007 Astra Diesel Rep Power: 79	Everyone likes a Panda.

November 4th, 2009, 10:55 PM	#6
2Billion Joined: Dec 7th, 2005 Last Online: 4:29 PM Age: 24 Posts: 1,051 Car: '10 Toyota Matrix XR Rep Power: 108	I might actually have to look at a Jeep showroom next time I'm looking for a car. That's just strange.

November 5th, 2009, 3:14 AM	#12
thevictor390 Joined: Mar 9th, 2007 Last Online: 4:02 PM Location: Massachusetts Age: 19 Posts: 1,999 Car: 2006 RX-8 Rep Power: 65	Yeah, Fifth Gear had a special on it where they raced it off-road against a Range Rover. It lost but did decently, IIRC.

November 5th, 2009, 3:15 AM	#13
BerserkerCatSplat Hormone Induced Joined: Jun 21st, 2005 Last Online: 7:08 AM Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,890 Car: ZJ 4X4X5 Rep Power: 168	I'm for it, as long as the only version available for purchase is the 4X4 one. It's a bit cutesy for a Jeep, but they have to hit their average MPG numbers somehow. To balance it out, they'll obviously have to put the Hurricane into production. __________________ OSPhoto Last edited by BerserkerCatSplat; November 5th, 2009 at 3:17 AM.

November 5th, 2009, 4:48 AM	#16
JCE Previously Known As JCE3000GT Joined: Apr 12th, 2005 Last Online: November 19th, 2009 Location: Plano, TX Age: 30 Posts: 696 Car: '90 Chevy Camaro RS V8 / '97 Chrysler T&C LXi V6 Rep Power: 25	I like the look of that Panda Jeep. I won't buy one but at least I like knowing it will be bought by someone. __________________ My eBay Game Auctions

November 5th, 2009, 10:27 AM	#18
Dr_Grip Joined: Jul 8th, 2008 Last Online: 1:39 PM Location: Germany Posts: 1,467 Car: 1979 Opel Kadett (Oliver's Son) Rep Power: 70	Maybe all Jeeps will be 4x4, but the Trail Rate package will include things like skid plates etc... a Subaru Justy was 4x4, but not exactely off-road capable, too. __________________ I got a Rolls-Royce 'Cause it's good for my voice (Mark Bolan/T-Rex)

November 5th, 2009, 10:33 AM	#19
Polly wants a cracker Joined: Dec 9th, 2006 Last Online: 4:17 PM Location: Your Mom. Posts: 2,350 Car: Yes. Because of Parkinsons. Rep Power: 160	Just call it the Jeep Panda Patriot Eagle Muslimbeater and all will be well. __________________ More is Better. We are here to get accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers.

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