2019-12-12 11:30
Jeep has confirmed it will launch a new “ultra compact” utility vehicle in 2022. Designed to sit below the Renegade in the company’s line-up, Jeep’s latest off-roader will act as a rival to the Suzuki Jimny – and it could feature an all-electric powertrain derived from FCA’s planned merger with PSA.
When quizzed about the vehicle’s brief, Marco Pigozzi, Jeep’s European Head of Brand Marketing, said it would offer plenty of day-to-day practicality without compromising the brand’s renowned off-road capability.
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Pigozzi said: “The car will be able to be used as a bad-ass Jeep, but it has also been designed to be used everyday.” He also stated that the forthcoming baby SIV will be around four metres in length – which will make it slightly longer than a Suzuki Jimny, but shorter than the new Nissan Juke.
Given Jeep’s recent push towards electrification (with the launch of the PHEV Renegade and Compass), it’s almost certain the compact Jeep will feature some form of electrification. When pitched the question of hybrid/all-electric drive, Pigozzi stated: “We have the capability to deliver the electrification we need.”
FCA’s proposed merger with PSA means the new baby Jeep could adopt a platform from the Peugeot-Citroen stable, potentially using a modified version of the Common Modular Platform architecture used for fully electric versions of the Peugeot 208, Vauxhall Corsa and DS3 Crossback. An additional electric motor for the rear axle could be added to deliver four-wheel.
Jeep’s rapid shift to electrification should help the brand pull its average CO2 emissions below the forthcoming EU-regulated standard of 95g/km, which is due to come into force by 2021.
What do you make of Jeep’s planned sub-compact SUV? Let us know in the comments section below…
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