Daimler’s Juicy Bait is Jeep

The fact is incontestable: the Chrysler Group is undergoing debilitating trouble. And what could serve as its saving grace? Experts say Daimler should put a hook in the Jeep brand and troll it around the world. Jeep is Daimler’s juicy bait.

For one, the Jeep brand is among America's best manufacturers. It enjoys plenty of possibilities. And significantly, the auto brand is one of the few SUV makers preparing for a viable future of expensive gasoline.

Earlier, the automaker unveiled the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD with a 3-liter Mercedes diesel engine which is also used in European Jeeps. The vehicle has a mileage rated at 20 in city driving and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Jeep has also formulated two new compact front-wheel drive sport utility vehicles in response to the increasing market demand.

It can be recalled that Jeep also unveiled the Compass - a refined mall crawler with all-wheel drive to satisfy the whims even of young urbanites. The Jeep Patriot, which was unleashed last Month, shares basic mechanical components with the Compass. However, the familiar built did not compromise an individualistic charisma.

The Jeep Patriot is a guy car hence Jeep expects that 60 percent of the purchasers will be men. The car is designed to lure devotees by delivering excellent capabilities and auto features. The vehicle’s styling, which resembles the popular Jeep Cherokee XJ, was purposely evoked to attract more aficionados. The Jeep Patriot is a front-wheel drive vehicle in its basic trim and comes with two 4x4 options.

The Jeep Patriot is powered by a four-cylinder 2.4 L GEMA gasoline engine and also has a 2.0 L diesel engine that is designed by Volkswagen for the European and Australian markets. The base Patriot features front-wheel drive however a choice of two electronically-controlled four-wheel drive systems is optional.

The Jeep Patriot, introduced in early 2007, has debuted publicly at the New York Auto Show. In Jeep’s lineup, it slots between the Liberty and Compass. The vehicle is built at DaimlerChrysler's Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant alongside the Jeep Compass and the Dodge Caliber.

The Base Patriot Sport, with a 5-speed manual transmission, 2-liter engine and front-drive only, begins at $15,000. That is inexpensive these days, but the optioned-up Jeep 4x4 Limited Patriots range into the mid-$20,000s. The Patriot Sports come with Jeep window motor to make the operation of windows easy and efficient. Bluetooth phone interface and navigation system are also available to spice up Jeep experience.

Compact SUVs usually come with five seats. However, with the Jeep Patriot back seats could be adjusted to create a more spacious and comfortable environment. The front seats are nicely integrated to the vehicle. Aside from the generous legroom, the vehicle also features Chrysler's "Yes Essentials" seat material, which is claimed to repel dirt and odors.

The Jeep Patriot Sport model with the Freedom Drive II hard-core 4x4 system comes with an ultra-low crawl gear. The system could be a decent companion on spiteful dirt roads and highway. The Freedom Drive I-equipped Patriots, on the other hand, share the Compass' functional all-wheel drive system.

All Jeep Patriots except the base Sport are equipped with a 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four engine unit with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It is not voluptuous but it gets the job done efficiently. Apparently, this is the distinct auto philosophy that imbues the Jeep brand.