Fiat-based 'mini Jeep' due next year

First Jeep compact SUV is based on the Fiat 500L platform.

First Jeep compact SUV is based on the Fiat 500L platform.

Published Sep 26, 2013

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Jeep's first compact SUV will actually be… a Fiat.

Chris Ellis, head of Jeep for Europe, told Autocar magazine the mini- Jeep - which is based on the Fiat 500L platform and has already reached the road-test stage - would be "the most capable off-roader in the segment.

Expect to see a world premiere in the first half of 2014, probably at the Geneva motor show in March.

"It will be a Jeep through and through."

Although it's expected to compete with soft-roaders such as the Opel Mokka, Nissan Juke and Ford Ecosport, Ellis insisted that it would be a 'real Jeep', its styling inspired by the new Wrangler and with all-wheel drive as standard.

He told Autocar: "We feel there's a position for a real Jeep offering which will be the true SUV in that growing segment."

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