Chrysler fires much improved Patriot

The 2010 Jeep Patriot has a completely new look.

An updated interior and improved ride and handling package are among changes to the 2010 Jeep Patriot, a compact SUV that maker Chrysler says is one of the most competitive on the New Zealand market.

Priced from $35,990, the Jeep exterior styling remains largely unchanged, but inside the Patriot has a completely new look.

"We have managed to incorporate all the changes without increasing the price of the Patriot," says Todd Groves, Chrysler divisional manager for Sime Darby Automobiles NZ, which distributes Jeep.

The interior is now finished in dark slate grey - the Limited model gets leather trim - and the cargo area on both Sport and Limited is fully carpeted.

Also new is the dashboard, centre stack and instrument panel, door trim panels and centre console with split lid for added storage space.

The all-new dashboard features a matte, smoother look while the new centre stack gets chrome accents to brighten the new round air vents, shift bezel, door spears and cluster rings.

The engine compartment and interior floor insulation has been improved to reduce on-road noise. The exhaust system has been retuned for a sportier note.

Suspension tuning has been revised for a more comfortable ride.

The electronic stability programme, which now includes electronic roll mitigation and which helps prevent the careless Patriot driver from going belly-up, and six airbags, are standard across the range.

Included in the Patriot's interior features are:

Two sound system speakers in the tailgate that can swing down when the tailgate is open to jazz up, for example, a beach party.

A lamp mounted in the headliner above the cargo area can be removed to serve as a torch.

A fold-flat front passenger seat that creates a table-like surface for added versatility.

There are 17-inch alloy wheels on all models.

Heated front seats and deep tint windows on all Patriot models.

Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre petrol engine matched to a second-generation CVT automatic transmission that has been re-calibrated to provide improved shifting.

Chrysler says the on-demand four-wheel-drive system has been revised for improved on-road handling at speeds between 40 and 100km/h, specifically in corners where more torque is directed to the rear wheels to help reduce understeer.

On the straight-ahead, on good road surfaces, for example, the Patriot runs in front-drive until sensors decide to bring in the rear wheels for extra traction.

Off-road, at speeds up to 15km/h, the driver can engage full-time four-wheel-drive at the flick of a switch.

Also standard on all Patriot models is a version of the anti-lock ABS braking system designed for off-road use.