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Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc 2018 North American Teams

February 24, 2018 by ponycargirl Leave a Comment

March 2018 is approaching and four teams of women in the United States are getting ready to head to France and Morocco for the 28^th Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc. More casually known in North America as “Gazelles”, the rally was started in 1990 as an adventure for all-female teams. As in stage rally, each team of two – a driver and a navigator – drive off-road from checkpoint to checkpoint over 6 legs in Morocco for a total of nine days of competition. GPS is not allowed – traditional navigational tools of a compass and maps are used, although all teams are tracked by the organizers via satellite. Unlike stage rally, the teams can choose their routes between checkpoints and the winning team isn’t the team with the fastest time, but the team that accumulates the most checkpoint check-ins with the least amount of kilometers traveled. All legs are 100% off-road – there are no public transits between legs. No special license is needed, either – just a simple driver’s license for the vehicle the team chooses to drive.

Team members from North America gathered at MAMO in New York City ‘s SOHO February 20^th to chat with media. First-timers Elana Sorre and teammate Martine Capalbo of Team Atomic will be competing in the 4×4 class in a “brand new” Jeep Rubicon. When asked if she’s done any previous competitions Sorre, a tv producer from New York, said “We’ve definitely done some off-roading and we’ve experience some of that, but not in any form of a competition. [RAG] is our virgin voyage, but we are so excited to do it. There are elements that we are nervous about but nothing that we are fearful about.” She added that they will most likely stick to Martine driving and herself navigating – while they can do both, they just think it’s a better idea that each stick to their jobs for the duration of the event.

Another rookie team, Jazmin Grimaldi and Kiera Chaplin will be competing as E-Gazelles, driving a Citroën E-MEHARI in the RAG electric vehicle category, which will be Jazmin’s first time driving an electric vehicle for this long of a duration. Grimaldi, an actress and singer from California, says that she and Chaplin plan on switching between driving and navigating duties. She’s competing in RAG for the eponymous Jazmin Fund, which is helping to rebuild a community hall in Naidi Village, Fiji after the town was devastated by the 2016 cyclone.

One of the more experienced teams heading to West Africa to tackle the desert is the newly minted Over-Hyphenated team of rally driver Keanna Erickson-Chang and co-driver Claudia Barbera-Pullen. Keanna and Claudia are veterans of U.S. rallies, having completed six together in 2017. Claudia has been co-driving for around ten years, while Keanna’s first rally was Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR) 2015. They have both earned their way to the podium at New England Forest Rally – most recently at NEFR 2017, Barbera-Pullen navigated her way to 1st place 2wd Production with driver Erik Potts (in a Subaru BRZ, in case you were curious). Talking to Keanna at the team’s launch party in NYC several weeks ago, Keanna said that she had done some training for RAG out in Moab, and that they both have a full competition schedule in the month before RAG; they will both leave for Morocco directly after finishing 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri March 16-17. They will be driving in the 4×4 class in a new Toyota Land Cruiser.

While women over 18 years both new to motorsports as well as experienced teams are all eligible to compete in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, it’s not purely a vanity adventure. The core mission of RAG is the non-profit Coeur de Gazelles, bringing job training for women as well as medical care and education. The rally has ISO 14001:2004 certification – with an emphasis on eco-driving and not speed, RAG maintains low CO2 emissions. No waste is left in the rally’s wake, and recycled material from the event are used to build houses. To keep tabs on the 2018 Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc, follow on Instagram or Twitter.

: Keanna Erickson-Chang at the Over-Hyphenated Racing Team party

: Keanna Erickson-Chang, STPR 2016

: Claudia Barbera-Pullen on podium, NEFR 2017

: Claudia Barbera-Pullen on podium, NEFR 2017

Review: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

March 1, 2017 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

Some would agree that it is not easy being the middle child. In today’s Jeep family, you could argue this is where the Cherokee stands. Mention Jeep Cherokee to any Jeep fan worth his or her salt and they will recall the iconic XJ Cherokee, sold from 1983 to 2001. The XJ was a massive success for Jeep. However by 2001, the beloved Cherokee was hopelessly outdated, and was replaced by the radically different. Still recognizable as a Jeep, the Liberty had curves, and appeared to try to look ‘cute’. When the second generation Liberty came around, Jeep went back to bolt upright styling, but a low rent interior along with an ancient drivetrain. The Liberty was replaced in 2014, which marked the return of the Cherokee name.

Some critics and diehard fans hoped for the second coming of the old, beloved XJ, but appearance-wise, the only thing the XJ and modern Cherokee share is the name badge and the slotted grill up front. That’s easy to understand, but remember, this is the 21st century. Most buyers looking for an SUV are not going to be took keen on the fuel economy and wind noise a shape like the old XJ delivers. And remember, for those who insist that look is part of Jeep’s charm, they will happily sell you a Wrangler. So not only does the Cherokee look different from any Jeep that came before it, it also stands apart from the competition. This is most apparent when you pick the rugged looking, off-road focused Trailhawk we tested. It’s a thoroughly contemporary look with a toughness you will not find elsewhere.

Step inside the Cherokee, and it is immediately evident Jeep got the message about the Liberty’s dungeon-like accomodations. Jeep deserves high praise for taking their interior from bottom to top of the class. There is not a hard angle in sight, and everything you touch is soft, with a premium feel. This is also one of the best screwed together Jeep interiors of all time, so if its been awhile since you’ve stepped inside a Jeep, you owe it to yourself for a refresher course. A five second glance is all it takes to familiarize yourself with all the controls, even in our feature laden test car. The large, 8.4″ UConnect touchscreen interface remains one of the best in the business. Finally, the driver’s seat offers superior comfort and support, which leaves no doubt the Cherokee would make an ideal partner for long distance travel.

The Cherokee is available with a choice of two engines; the base 2.4L four rated at 184hp, or a 3.2L V-6 rated at 271hp. A good deal of the Cherokee’s competition doesn’t even offer a V-6, so the power and refinement of our V-6 Cherokee sets it apart, and is definitely the engine you want. Either engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic. Buyers may also choose between two or four wheel drive, but the Trailhawk is sold as a 4×4 only. And even if you don’t plan to, but can’t accept a Jeep without the respected Trail Rated badge on the front fender, the Trailhawk is a must. The Trailhawk gives you Jeep Active Drive II, Selec-Terrain System, Jeep Active Drive Lock, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, off rad suspension and front tow hooks. Still, the Cherokee delivers respectable fuel economy with an EPA rating of 19/26 city/highway MPG. And despite the off-road capabilities, our Cherokee delivered a perfectly smooth ride and confidence inspiring handling.

In the Cherokee family, umerous trim levels are available; lower content models, our Trailhawk, and other models with a more luxurious bent. Not that I noticed our test car lacking. Standard equipment is pretty standard fair, and the Trailhawk’s $30,995 pretty much reflects the V-6 and all the aforementioned off-road goodies. Options on our car included the SafetyTec Group (ParkSense rear park assist system and blind spot/cross path detection), Comfort Group (power liftgate, remote start, auto climate control, auto dimming rearview mirror, power driver’s seat), leather interior, heated front seats and steering wheel, ventilated front seats, navigation and HD radio. Including destination, that ratchets up our test car’s total cost to $39,810USD. That’s a long way from where the Trailhawk starts, but my thinking here is with the most capable Cherokee available, Jeep is letting its buyers go for no frills, our outfitted closer to their more upscale trims.

Regardless of how much (or how little) restraint one chooses in checking off option boxes with the Cherokee Trailhawk, there is no denying the excellent all around capability to be found here. The Trailhawk seems to most clearly embody that elusive and desirable quality of Jeep attitude, making it the clear choice for the true Jeep fan. But whatever your needs and budget dictate-the basic base Sport or dripping in luxury Overland, there is a Cherokee for you. With its distinctive styling, comfortable ride, available V-6 and finely executed interior, the Cherokee has earned a spot at the top of its class.

2014 Canadian Car of the Year awards ceremony

May 10, 2014 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

Time for a bit of shameless self-promotion here in The Garage. Regular readers may know that I am a Co-Chairman of the Canadian Car of the Year awards. One of my responsibilities in that position is to put on a dress jacket once a year and announce one of the winners. This year, I was very proud to award Chrysler‘s Reid Bigland with the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year for the fantastic new Jeep Cherokee.

The awards are in January, so you might wonder why I am sharing this now. Well, I just came across this video of the entire ceremony, including yours truly doing my thing, which I hadn’t seen before. I thought it might be worth sharing on a Saturday morning.

Canadian International AutoShow 2014 Press Preview Day, Canadian Black Book, AJAC Winners, Thursday, February 13, 2014 from Peter Mykusz on Vimeo.

Formula Off Road Racing is the shizzle!

April 30, 2014 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

Somebody call Robby Gordon and tell him we found out where he was supposed to be born. Sweden. Is there anywhere else that would be more perfect for a hard driving, truck flogging guy like Gordon? Once you’ve watched Formula Off Road Racing from Ba?lsta Sweden, I think you’ll agree with me.

Source: YouTube via Bangshift

The Jeep Cherokee Returns

June 17, 2013 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

The Jeep Cherokee Classic, one of the most beloved Jeeps of all time was retired in favor of the Jeep Liberty, which bowed as a 2002 model. Curvier than the traditional Cherokee, the Liberty appealed to a broader audience-especially female buyers-but Jeep purists railed against the softer lines. Jeep responded in 2008 with the second generation Liberty, a more traditionally styled Jeep. The purists may have been satisfied, but sales figures weren’t even close to the first generation Liberty. So, the Liberty quietly slipped into oblivion in August 2012, and is now being replaced with the all-new Cherokee.

And boy, is this a radical departure from the Liberty. Also important, this is the first all-new Jeep since Fiat got their hands on Chrysler. I admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for Jeeps. They are quintessentially American, tough, and maybe even a little crude. I like those qualities, because it gives the Jeep character, personality. As a greying Gen-Xer who once pored over CJ-7 and Wagoneer brochures as a child, that’s romantic and all, but it doesn’t sell a lot of cars to the masses. If the Liberty looked like an old Jeep from the day it was new, the Jeep Cherokee is the exact opposite. This is like no Jeep ever seen before. Yes, the looks are polarizing, but to who? The old codgers?

The new Cherokee may be a risk, but it makes a styling statement, and points a new direction for Jeep. How buyers react is anyone’s guess. But here is what we do know. The Cherokee started production in Spring, and will be arriving in dealers this Fall. Buyers will have a choice of two or all-wheel drive. Four trim levels will be offered: the Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk. All Cherokee’s come standard with a 2.4L four rated at 184hp, paired to a nine-speed (not a typo) automatic. With the exception of the base Sport, all other Cherokees also offer an optional 3.2L V-6, rated at 271hp.

The full line of the Cherokee family is described below. Note, all prices show that of the four cylinder, with 4×2. Four-wheel drive Cherokee’s will add $2,000.

Cherokee Sport: $22,995 USD

The base Cherokee comes standard with full power accessories, a 5″ touchscreen, Bluetooth, LED tail lights, and 17″ steel wheels.

Cherokee Latitude: $24,495

Likely to be the volume model, the Latitude adds exterior trim upgrades like body-colored exterior mirrors and chrome door handles, deep-tint windows, ambient interior lighting and 17″ alloys.

Cherokee Limited: $27,995

The top-spec Cherokee from a luxury standpoint, the Limited adds leather heated power seats, heated steering wheel, 18″ alloys. an 8.4″ touch screen, SiriusXM satellite radio, back-up camera, two-zone auto climate control, and an auto dimming rear view mirror.

Cherokee Trailhawk: $29.495

Or, to keep the Jeep purists happy. The Trailhawk is only available as a 4×4, and is the only Cherokee to wear Jeep’s badge of honor: Trail Rated. More aggressively styled with unique front and rear fascias, unique 17″ alloys, rugged interior trim, this Cherokee adds the off-road goodies Jeep fans demand. Add an increase of a 1″ ride height, tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, heavy duty cooling, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, all-terrain tires, and Hill Ascent/Descent Control, the Trailhawk is there for the Jeep owner who demands his Jeep to be truly off-road ready, and to look the part.

For those who complain Jeep is going soft, relax. The Wrangler is still raw and rugged, and remains the face of the brand. The Garage has yet to review the revised 2014 Grand Cherokee, but we remain confident it still offers the same brawn and luxury as it always has. The reality is the outgoing Liberty was a dinosaur that, while being fully capable off-road, presented too many compromises that the average buyer was not willing to make when so many more refined alternatives were available. With current, if not controversial styling, greater fuel efficiency and reportedly vastly improved interior surroundings, the Cherokee could stand to reverse the Liberty’s steady sale slide. Stay tuned, as The Garage will review the new Cherokee.

Review: 2013 Jeep Wrangler

March 17, 2013 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

While I am a card carrying member of the so-called indifferent Generation X, I am quite a nostalgic person. It’s why I listen to Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra, live in a 1920’s beach cottage and own a classic Porsche. And being a car guy, nothing is more nostalgic than a Jeep-I mean a real Jeep. Being a car guy, cars are significant to me in a major way, even more so when they intermingle with major life events. We love to brag about horsepower and 0-60 times, but the magic and romance of a car trumps hard numbers. Days after I married the love of my life, we were on our honeymoon on Nantucket Island. We rented a Jeep Wrangler Sport for the day, and it was one of the greatest days of my life. We deflated the tires and cruised the dunes, right alongside the Atlantic Ocean. That night we hit Nantucket nightlife for dinner on the picture-perfect cobblestone streets before heading back to our waterfront hotel room. The Jeep Wrangler is forever intertwined with our lives.

But this isn’t 1998, and the Jeep Wrangler is not the same either. The Garage is no stranger to the Wrangler, as we last tested one in 2010. That was a four door Unlimited Rubicon. This time around, we sampled a two-door Sahara. Jeep is obviously very cautious in the evolution of its most iconic car, but there have been changes that improve the capability and livability of the Wrangler. The profile of the Wrangler is critical, as much so as the Porsche 911. It simply cannot be messed with. Our test car was finished in a gorgeous True Blue Pearl Coat set off with attractive 18″ alloy wheels. Kudos to Jeep for keeping the Wrangler’s classic looks.

The cabin of the Wrangler has never been heralded as a model of refinement, but that sort of goes against the grain of what the Wrangler is about. This is not a Lexus, and Wrangler buyers do not want a distilled version of a car they feel passionate about. That said, our Wrangler offered the latest in in-car technology. The seats were fairly comfortable. In an ironic twist of fate, the Wrangler which was a part of our honeymoon, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler would be our ride to celebrate my 40th birthday. We spent our weekend at the swanky Hotel Northampton.I figured if it was good enough for John F. Kennedy, it would be ok for me. Sadly, the Jeep was not a friendly travel companion. For a weekend trip the Jeep’s trunk would not take our suitcase, I had to shove it behind my seat. Shopping over the weekend did not help matters either.

All Wranglers are powered by a 3.6L V-6 rated at 285hp. Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Naturally, all Wranglers are all-wheel drive. The new Pentastar V-6 is is a massive improvement over the outgoing engine, with a dramatic increase in power and fuel economy. The old Wrangler was sort of charming with its ancient drivetrain, but the new engine is a the right step to keep the car relevant. I had the opportunity to off-road a Jeep Wrangler at the 2012 IMPA Test Days events held in the Catskill Mountains in New York. With an off-road course designed by Land Rover, and punished with rain, to say the course was challenging is an understatement. A Honda exec asked to ride with me. He, as well as myself, were near speechless at the off-road capabilities of the Wrangler. It makes me sad most Wrangler owners will never know what their cars are capable of.

Our test car was a 2013 Wrangler Sahara 4×4 two-door, the middle of the line between base Sport and top of the line Rubicon. Showing its truly legit off-road capabilities, the standard equipment lists items like Dada heavy duty axles and skid plate shields. For as tough as the Wrangler is, it is hardly a dinosaur with air conditioning, power locks and windows, leather wrapped steering with with controls, Alpine audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, 18″ alloys, and power heated exterior mirrors. Options on our test car included the Connectivity Group (UConnect Voice Command, Bluetooth, Tire Pressure Monitor display, remote start), 5-speed automatic transmission with Hill Descent Control, Anti-Spin rear differential, auto climate control, soft top, and GPS navigation. Including delivery, our Wrangler rang in at $32,610USD.

It is a remarkable feat that Jeep has been able to maintain the Wrangler’s outstanding off-road ability and unique character in an age when all odds seem stacked against it. Amazingly, Wrangler sales are up, and Chrysler is hiring 200 additional workers where it is built to meet increased demand. With the more refined V-6 and improved interior, Wrangler sales are on the rise. No, the Wrangler is not for everyone, and on-road as an every day car, you are making compromises in exchange for its off-road ability. But, I challenge you to find a car with more character and personality at this price. The Wrangler is the car the defines their brand, and The Garage is pleased to say the Wrangler continues to improve with age.

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New Details on Chysler/Jeep/Dodge’s Future

May 31, 2012 by Tom Williams Leave a Comment

What a ride it’s been at Chrysler these past few years. Neglected by parent Daimler and subsequent owner Cerberus, Chrysler was on the brink of collapse and on their knees in front of the US Congress begging for a bailout. Ironically, Fiat, a company who fled the US in the early 1980’s turned out to be Chrysler’s savior. And so far, the results have been encouraging. The bottom-feeder Dodge Avenger has been enormously improved. SRT is reviving the almighty Viper. The highly anticipated Dodge Dart with full Alfa Romeo DNA intact will be hitting showrooms soon.

There is no question that Chrysler had a myriad of problems, and it appears that Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is still at work at revamping the beleaguered company. According to a post from Autoblog, Marchionne confirmed the Jeep Compass will be killed off in 2014. In spite of its 2011 redesign which modeled itself after the Grand Cherokee, Jeep’s attempt at targeting young urban types-especially females appears to have fizzled. The more successful Patriot, which shares the same mechanicals to the Compass has sold far better, with more traditional Jeep styling, but it is unclear what the future of the Patriot is. Still, these cars are dinosaurs, based on the now extinct Dodge Caliber which was mercifully let go in favor of the upcoming Dart.

The next casualty is the Chrysler Town & Country minivan. The Dodge Grand Caravan remains, which makes sense since the Caravan was the first minivan. Ever. Kudos to Sergio Marchionne for telling Chrysler it makes no sense selling the exact same car under two brands. Brand engineering is what nearly ruined the American auto industry, so killing off the Town & Country makes perfect sense to me.

In other related news, it appears there will be an SRT high performance version of the Dodge Dart that will sit above the Dart R/T. No word yet on what will sit under the hood. In sum, I find the news from Chrysler encouraging as failing and redundant cars are cut off, and under the control of Fiat they definitely appear to be a more focused company. The future looks bright.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, unlikely road tripper

May 30, 2012 by Gary Grant Leave a Comment

When I was just a little guy in the early Seventies, the neighbourhood kids used to love popping in to my Dad’s garage in Don Mills. There was always a some race car or another in there, along with a super cool, Meyers Manx dune buggy. I was fully aware of the coolness I was surrounded by, but a guy down the street drove a bright yellow Jeep CJ-5. He was always driving around with the top down with the tunes blaring and I so wanted to go for a ride. Years later, my Wife and I almost bought a new YJ when they first appeared on the market but the nonexistent back seat caused us to make a more practical choice. The “Jeep Thing” just wouldn’t fit our lifestyle.
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Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

November 14, 2011 by Tom Williams 1 Comment

It is without question that one of the darkest days in the history of Chrysler was when they were forced to their knees in front of the US Congress, begging for a hand out or face bankruptcy. During this time, Chrysler had to make a case for itself-in other words, give Congress a reason why they should be saved, and a key factor was future products. Chrysler was broke, and instead of an auto show and a highly choreographed, flashy intro, a Powerpoint presentation showed a new Grand Cherokee was in development. No booming techno music, cocktails and appetizers. Just a request for a loan.

Chrysler got the loan, and ownership from Fiat. The Grand Cherokee is the first all-new Jeep, post bail-out. Now, the Grand Cherokee has always been a successful car for Jeep, but always compromised. Buyers loved the rugged looks, legendary reputation for off-road ability, but had to put up with so-so interiors and unremarkable on-road manners. Does the new Grand Cherokee maintain what it built its name on and address its past weaknesses? Read on…

Jeep Grand Cherokees have traditionally been well-styled vehicles, but the last generation with its hard edges and lack of character left me cold. Fortunately, the Grand Cherokee has ditched its ‘Men’s Warehouse’ duds for Brooks Brothers. Make no mistake, the Grand Cherokee is one classy ride, showing a level of refinement that simply outdoes any Jeep of the past. Yet it loses none of its inherit ‘Jeepness’. Jeep designers deserve a round of applause for crafting a Grand Cherokee that would please most Jeep diehards, yet adds an air of sophistication that is bound to lure buyers from other luxury SUV’s to seek a closer look.

A long time Achille’s heel of past Jeep Grand Cherokee’s has been an interior that seemed to lag years behind its competition, beset with sub-standard materials and lackluster build quality. With the new Grand Cherokee, forget all of what you thought of Jeep interiors of the past.Ã‚Â There is an attention to detail that is unrivaled to any Jeep of yore. Instead, you are ensconced in a leather and wood lined interior devoid of hard plastics, exposed screws and massive panel gaps. The transformation of the interior from past Grand Cherokees is staggering. Finally, the Grand Cherokee is a no excuses luxury SUV.

The Grand Cherokee is available with a choice of two or four wheel drive, as well as V-6 and V-8 models. The base 3.6L V-6 is rated at 290hp, and is paired with a five-speed automatic. The EPA figures you should get 18 MPG in combined city/highway driving. The V-8 is optional-the 5.7L V-8 is good for 360hp, and is paired to a six-speed automatic. For fuel economy, expect 15 MPG combined city/highway. As for towing, the V-6 can handle up to 5,000 lbs, while the V-8 can haul 7,200 lbs. The Garage had the opportunity to sample both V-6 and V-8 Grand Cherokees this year. Realistically, the V-6 offers enough oomph to do the job for what most buyers will ask of the Grand Cherokee. I suspect this engine could squeeze out better mileage if paired to a six-speed automatic. As for the V-8, it attacks highway on-ramps with authority, and passing is a breeze. You won’t go wrong with either engine.

I spent a week with the V-6 Grand Cherokee, and a short stay with the V-8 model. As a testament to the Jeep, consider the following. At this year’s IMPA Test Days, the V-8 Grand Cherokee I drove home in had spent all day navigating a difficult off-road course meant to showcase its off-road abilities. When the keys were handed to me, the mud-splattered wheel wells showed this car was put through its paces. After two days of hard driving on road and on a race track, the Grand Cherokee proved to be a delightful, coddling isolation chamber from New York’s Catskill Mountains to my home in Connecticut.Ã‚Â The uncanny ability for incredible off-road prowess, coupled with a luxurious cabin was once the sole domain of the Range Rover. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has now attained the same credibility.

I’ll temper that by saying both Grand Cherokees I sampled were top-spec Overland models. In other words, they were loaded to the hilt. Our 2011 V-6 car had a base price of $41,120USD, the optional Inferno Red Crystal paint, option package with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and Off-Road Adventure Package brought the tally to $43,845, including delivery. Our 2012 test car starts at $42,995, but with the Off-Road Adventure Package and V-8 brought the tab to $47,010, including delivery.

With the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of America’s most respected brands offers a full-size SUV that no longer needs to make excuses for itself. Now a fully-realized vehicle, the Grand Cherokee stands at the top of its class. And definitely a positive sign for what we can expect from future Jeeps.

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Review: 2011 Jeep Compass & Patriot

March 10, 2011 by Tom Williams 2 Comments

The Garage’s last stint in a 2009 Jeep Compass left us a bit cold, so when Jeep announced a revised 2011 Compass, we were curious to see how the changes would affect their smaller-sized soft-roader. Our friends at Chrysler were quick to respond not only with the revised Compass, but also provided us with the Patriot as well. Since 2007, Jeep has offered buyers a curious choice of entry level small SUV’s based on the same mechanicals-the cute Compass, and more traditionally styled Patriot.

With Chrysler in serious trouble and seeking a US Government bailout, I figured the slow-selling Compass would be a goner, but I was wrong. Instead, Jeep let go of the Compass’ soft styling in favor of a miniaturized version of the all-new Grand Cherokee. With the Compass, Jeep is still chasing the younger, urban buyer it has sought from the original. The look is definitely more upscale and sophisticated than the outgoing model, but whether buyers will respond with their wallets remains to be seen.

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