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Your Next Jeep

Jeep + Fiat = Mini Jeep?
Posted March 15 2010 06:24 PM by John Cappa 
Filed under: Editorials, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, John Cappa

 What do you think of a smaller Jeep? Fiat already offers the Panda 4x4 overseas. So how long till we see Panda 4x4 guts in a Jeep skin here in the U.S.? I'm thinking not much longer...


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 On the upside, it's said the Panda 4x4 is pretty capable (maybe if you floor it everywhere) although I don't see how, and I wonder who made such statements. But it's only 62 inches wide and weighs just 2,150 pounds so maybe you can simply go around everything. With only a 1.2L or optional 1.3L engine I don't see how it can conquer much of anything.

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Reader Comments:
1. I think it was English auto journalists who called it capable. You know - the country who thinks watery tea is what you drink when you're tired and need a pick-me-up. Hmmm - Weak Tea = Panda. ...... Coffee = Wrangler. Sounds about right.

Well, I for one am glad the newest Jeeps may be based off a Panda. A Compass or Patriot just didn't scream "Hey, I'm out of the closet" loud and proud enough.

Christian Hazel    - Posted March 15 2010 06:51 PM

 
2. I am leery of any vehicle where the "big block" option is a 1.3L...

Does this mean that these Jeeps won't breed in captivity???

DirtyHarry    - Posted March 15 2010 08:28 PM

 
3. if it has solid axles I am all for it....but it wont. Bring on the hate!

Verne Simons    - Posted March 15 2010 08:38 PM

 
4. I think that everyone needs to stop expecting everything that Jeep makes to be a wrangler... I would never trade my TJ for a panda; but for someone who is looking for a small fuel efficient 4X4... why is it so wrong for Jeep to tap into that market? The Patriot is clearly not a heavy duty off-roader... but I'd take that over a CRV or Escape any day

jerzkevo    - Posted March 16 2010 04:51 AM

 
5. Why does every Jeep need to be a Wrangler? Because they tried the other way with the Compass, Patriot, and Commander... and we see how well that worked out for them.

Jp Web Editor    - Posted March 16 2010 08:00 AM

 
6. The next generation soccer mom mobile!! Nice, now soccer moms everywhere can take it all the way to the soccer field!!

Jp Civilian    - Posted March 16 2010 01:19 PM

 
7. I dont want it to be a Wrangler. I want it to be like a flatfender or early cj5. That would be cool, small and nimble and relatively efficient. It wont happen though. My bet is something more like a mini Patriot.

Verne Simons    - Posted March 17 2010 07:37 AM

 

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