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New entry-level Jeep breaks free

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New Patriot coming to SA in 2007
New Patriot coming to SA in 2007
Based on the Jeep Patriot concept first introduced at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, the production version takes most of the concept's styling cues.

DaimlerChrysler South Africa's media manager, Richard Sloman, told Wheels24 that the Patriot will be here early in 2007.

According to Jeep the Patriot combines the "packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup".

Standard safety features include side-curtain air bags and Electronic Stability Program.

DaimlerChrysler claims that all-new Jeep technology gives the Patriot more capability than its rivals and it comes with three drive configurations.

Off-road packages

In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Patriot also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package.

Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance, as well as the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions.

This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use.

Freedom Drive I features a lockable centre coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel-drive Lock mode to handle rougher road conditions with low-traction surfaces.

The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4.

This package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with a low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminium wheels, a full-size spare tire, air-filtration system, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and seat height adjuster.

Off-road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split-friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction.

Hill-Descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention for downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three-mode ESP and off-road anti-lock brakes (ABS) also add to the Patriot?s off-road capability.

Ground clearance

The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits 2.54cm higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, manoeuvrability and ground clearance, including almost 23cm of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle.

This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 48cm water fording capability.

The Patriot features a standard 2.4-liter that produces 128 kW of power and 224 Nm of torque.

Transmission options include a five-speed manual transaxle and a CVT auto.

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