Hot News: Jeep Plans Nissan Juke-Rival

Watch out, Juke... Jeep is coming! The US firm has announced that it’s building a small 4x4 to take on the supermini-based Nissan.

The newcomer would slot into the UK line-up below the relaunched Compass, and give Jeep a key volume model as it scrambles to reverse a falling market share across Europe.

“I have seen the design, and it’s fantastic,” British-born company boss Mike Manley told Auto Express. “It’s a true Jeep.” He emphasised the car’s link to Jeep’s core Wrangler model, adding: “I can tell you the styling is going to create a similar icon.”

Manley expects the two-wheel-drive version to be the top seller in the new range, but will ensure top-end variants send power to all four wheels. “In every model, there has to be a 4x4 version that ties it back to the Wrangler.”

Styling cues are expected to be taken from the Renegade concept that appeared in 2008, which showed the manufacturer’s vision of a supermini-length sports SUV complete with its traditional seven-bar grille.

Manley also confirmed that the junior Jeep would be powered by engines from new parent company Fiat. That is likely to mean both the 1.3 and 1.6-litre Multijet diesels – cutting emissions to below 120g/km on the most frugal two-wheel-drive models – as well as a 1.4-litre petrol turbo version.

The car is also expected to be built on a Fiat platform, with a stretched version of the next Panda 4x4 a strong candidate. Expect the newcomer to hit Jeep showrooms in 2013.

Meanwhile, Manley also strongly hinted that a hybrid Jeep is on the cards, using technology from the old DaimlerChrysler partnership. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express