It looks like a classic Jeep but under the skin is a modern economical and powerful two litre turbodiesel engine from VW.
With a price tag of €33,495 the Patriot is set to tempt more young people to the historic brand that boasts over 66 years of heritage. The fact that the car is pretty nippy will help endear it to more enthusiast drivers also.
The latest Jeep features permanent four-wheel drive called ‘Freedom Drive I™’ that is lockable for when conditions get rough. ESP is standard too, so you will really have to go out of your way to loose traction in this machine.
The exterior of the five-seat car is very old school Jeep Cherokee and you have to admire the honesty of the compact SUV’s design. The roofline is low and the shoulder line high giving off an air of strength, and with 17” alloys as standard the overall proportions look quite good. Round headlamps and of course the trademark seven-slot grille make the Patriot recognisable as a thoroughbred Jeep from quite a distance. Patriot is a vehicle that can deliver on its looks. Roof bars are standard too, very handy for the surfboard or more likely a roof box!
Inside the dash layout is clear and very modern by Jeep standards. Cruise control and air conditioning are standard along with folding side mirrors to name just a few of the toys. The driving position is tall and commanding but sadly I find myself sitting a little too close to the dash for my liking and I have a bruised right knee to prove it! The steering only adjusts for tilt and like most Jeeps I get the feeling it was designed as an automatic first with the ‘stick’ shift an afterthought. The boot has a high floor but as the front seat can fold flat the available cargo area is big and versatile.
The turbo diesel engine is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox in my test car and despite a slightly heavy clutch is a joy to use. Patriot weighs in at a little over one and a half tonnes yet can deliver excellent fuel consumption figures when you consider the drive train and enthusiastic nature of the 140bhp/310nm engine. I've averaged around 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres travelled but 6.7 is attainable on the combined cycle. Patriot has CO2 emissions of 180 g/km.
Patriot is surprisingly lively and fun to drive. Don’t be fooled by the retro exterior the heart of the Patriot wants to beat fast. 0-100km/h takes 11 seconds. The permanent four-wheel drive set up and modern suspension means the Patriot is a reassuring drive.
Patriot is the seventh Jeep in what was once a very limited range. The ‘beginner’ Jeep can hold its head high as it offers excellent economy, performance and safety, all features that in this day and age of ‘Green’ motoring have to be applauded.
Patriot comes with a two year unlimited kilometer warranty. A commercial version is available for €24,995 including VAT, which looks like great value.
Michael Sheridan
