“THE SUBCOMPACT JEEP THAT IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE NEXT YEAR IN THE U.S. WILL BE ABOUT 2 FEET SHORTER THAN THE 2014 JEEP CHEROKEE.”—EDMUNDS
Mike Manley is the CEO of our cherished Jeep, at Geneva Motor Show words slip out of his mouth at their forthcoming project. The new project is about the initiation of a subcompact B segment Jeep by the end of 2013.
Manley further told that Fiat and Chrysler are cooperating to create their new masterpiece. With the inauguration of 2014, its sales and marketing will dawn as well around the globe.
Under the Hood
The most important thing of a vehicle is its engine and other functional units. 2013 Jeep subcompact is rumored to be inspired from Fiat’s engine and therefore, borrowing it. It will convene in Italy, according to the sources.
If it is true then get ready to enjoy your future excursions on a 1.6-Liter or 1.3-Liter JDTm diesels, plus a 1.4-Liter Multiair gasoline mill.
It is grounded on “Fiat Grande Punto” with an all-wheel-drive as standard; however, front-wheel-drive will also be accessible as an option.
Rivalry
According to car pundits’ calculations, the awaited Jeep is aimed at the Audi A1 and Mini Cooper & Wrangler which will pose premium options. It is also coxswained for the hatchback bazaar but behold! It does not really mean that our impending Jeep is forsaking its traditional craggy off-road tenets.
Body Design
The Jeep subcompact will be a small Jeep (“Baby Jeep” as Edmunds named it) and will resemble 2013 Ford Fiesta in size.
CEO told that the new sled is just a bit greater than Fiesta and about 20 inches smaller than Cherokee; since Fiesta is 160.1 inches length-wise, while it is “4.2 meters (165 inches) long. The Cherokee is 4.6 (181 inches).”
Target Market
Manley plans to kick off marketing for their forthcoming SUV with the commencement of the New Year. It is targeted for the International buyers from Europe, USA, UK and China (mainly).
“The weight of that market today is outside North America, predominately Europe,” said Manley. “It is growing in China. I think when we launch our SUV here, you are going to see quite significant growth in that segment in the U.S.”
Subcompact Cars, A Future Trend?
He said that the future trend is all about subcompact car models as most automakers are taking interest in manufacturing latest crossovers and itty-bitty utility cars. The approaching decade will have roads laden with SUVs and vehicles of its class since owners today, are more into buying them than any other wheel. Its major reason is the fuel efficiency, utility and practicality of these carriages.
A few instances are 2014 Buick Encore, Cadillac’s subcompact car, Fiesta‘s EcoSport, 2014 Cherokee and many more. Audi and Mercedes-Benz crossover versions are also in the making, as per whispers suggest.
In Manley’s point of view, the subcompact carriage is definitely the imminent trend as:
“From a ride and fuel economy perspective, it will be competitive,” and also “the utility that you will get in an SUV in terms of cabin space and everything else.”
Very remarkable topic.