It would appear that Fiat Chrysler is already in the midst of preparing the replacement for both the Jeep Compass and Patriot judging from these batch of spy photographs. Merely dubbed the 2017 Jeep CUV for now, the all-new C-segment compact SUV should debut at the end of 2016 and go on sale as a 2017 model.
Looks wise, there’s not much to see what with the copious amount of camouflage taped to the mule’s body. However, a closer look does reveal a nose that appears eerily familiar to the one seen on the old Land Rover Freelander while the lower half seems to strike an uncanny resemblance to the Jeep Cherokee. Eagle-eyed readers will notice the radar-guided cruise control sensor mounted down low on the front bumper.
Unfortunately, that’s as far as we can go in terms of cluing you in on how the 2017 Jeep CUV might look like – the entire rear of the car is well hidden by said camouflage. Rather pronounced wheel arches and a significant approach and departure angle are the only clues that hint at this CUV’s off-road capabilities.
The 2017 Jeep CUV is expected to ride on the Small-Wide modular architecture that underpins the Jeep Renegade, Cherokee and Fiat 500X. Considering that the Jeep Compass and Patriot measure around 4,400 mm lengthwise, expect the new CUV to stretch the tape to just below the 4,623 mm-long Jeep Cherokee.
Under the bonnet, the Jeep CUV is expected to be powered by a new turbocharged, direct-injected 2.0 litre four-cylinder Hurricane engine. Base models should get a six-speed manual transmission with drive going to the front wheels while costlier variants are expected to receive ZF’s nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. A Trailhawk version for off-road enthusiasts should follow on, as well.
GALLERY: Jeep Compass Limited in Malaysia
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Looking forward to cheaper American cars under TPPA, yeah