THERE are a number of changes in the line-up from Jeep for this March – starting with the entry level model, the Patriot.
The Patriot is now available in two drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard Freedom Drive 1 four-wheel-drive system there is a new two-wheel-drive configuration.
The Patriot’s classic exterior styling has been improved for 2011 with a new front and rear, and a body-colour grille.
The face is still classic Jeep but features an updated, modern version of the brand’s signature seven-slot grille with a new rugged mesh texture, a robust bumper and round headlamps. The new grille is body-coloured and there are new fog lamps.
Upgrades include new soft touch front-door trim panels, new centre armrest, a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior with premium cloth bucket seats in the front; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.
The Patriot is available in three versions: Sport, Sport Plus and Limited.
The new 2011 Jeep Compass has also been redesigned, reflecting the styling cues of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.
This latest model features more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags front and rear.
With a new bonnet, new front bumpers, new front valence and new headlamps as well as a new grille the new face of the Compass features a more serious, yet sophisticated, appearance. Lighting performance is improved with the use of quad reflector headlamps, and the fog lamps are now high output projector lamps.
A band of protective cladding has been added for 2011 to fend off debris when driving in challenging weather conditions or off-road.
There’s also a new rear valence, new body-colour rear spoiler and topping it off, a new set of roof rails have been designed with a slimmed down appearance.
The 2011 Compass sports new, standard 17-inch alloy wheels, and 18-inch alloy wheels are also available.
Even the iconic Wrangler gets a number of changes for this year.
There is better visibility thanks to larger rear windows, electrically heated mirrors and seats as well as significantly reduced interior noise.
An all-new steering wheel allows the driver to operate a number of controls without having to take his or her hands off the wheel.
The latest version is offered in three versions - Sport, Sahara and 70th Anniversary - and comes in both two-door and four-door.
The powerplant for all Jeep Wrangler models is a 2.8-litre V-6 CRD producing 197bhp.
For 2011 there is also an all-new Grand Cherokee which comes with a new off-road system offering five terrain settings and a new air suspension lift system.
The original Grand Cherokee hit the road two decades ago and since then four million have been sold.
Now the all-new version plans to build on those sales.
Its all-new Selec-Terrain traction control system lets customers dial up the right off-road setting from sand to snow to rock to get the best out of their vehicle.