* Classic Jeep(R) styling at an entry-level price AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- No doubt about it. Strong and capable, the all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot is unmistakably Jeep, designed to appeal to compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) buyers who want classic Jeep styling with best-in-class off-road capability. Jeep Patriot is rugged, exuding the brand's key attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure, while offering excellent fuel economy, interior flexibility and utility at a great value. "Simple yet distinctive geometric forms and planar surfaces define Jeep Patriot's timeless proportions," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. "Combined, these features give Jeep Patriot its robust, strong, capable off-road image." CLASSIC DESIGN CUES ONLY ON A JEEP Jeep Patriot's two-box design is built for maximum cargo volume, rugged driving conditions and excellent utility. "Patriot's style is classic Jeep; its design focuses on functionality, simplicity and capability," Creed added. "Patriot is designed to appeal to customers who want a vehicle that is practical in terms of form and function, as well as different from the crowd of compact SUVs currently on the road." Patriot's face is classic Jeep, featuring the brand's signature seven-slot grille, a clamshell hood, a robust bumper and round headlamps. The body color fascia is neatly integrated with the grille for a high-quality appearance. Limited models add a bright fascia overlay. Fascia-mounted round fog lamps, (available on Patriot Sport models and standard on Patriot Limited models), improve visibility in bad weather. A separate park and turn signal lamp wraps around the corner of the Patriot's body. With their simple round and rectangular geometric shapes, these features are timeless and functional. A stiff windshield and upright backlight combine to create Patriot's easily identifiable side view. A black roof molding channels water over the Patriot's roof and provides a smooth fit and finish. Patriot also features a standard roof rack for carrying extra gear. The rack is black on Patriot Sport models and bright on Limited models. Jeep Patriot Limited models feature a body-color bodyside molding. Additional Jeep design cues that complement the classic boxy side view include trapezoidal wheel openings and available all- terrain tires. Jeep Patriot's high beltline completes the vehicle's protective side profile. From the rear, the Jeep Patriot features an upright backlight and a bold bumper. Integrated into the liftgate header is a six Light-emitting Diode (LED) center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and washer nozzle. Patriot's modular tail lamps are tall and set at far corners of the vehicle in classic Jeep style for improved visibility. The Patriot name is inscribed in the rear fascia and complemented with a Jeep badge, which is located on the light bar in the center of the vehicle. A black step pad with a non-skid surface enhances the functionality customers expect from a Jeep. Four doors and a rear liftgate provide easy access to this compact SUV's spacious and functional interior. Jeep Patriot models equipped with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package also include tow hooks and skid plates, necessary for true off-roading. Two tow hooks are securely mounted in the front, and one tow hook is securely mounted to the left side of the rear fascia. Jeep Patriot rides on a 103.7-inch wheelbase with a 59.8-inch wide track. The wheel placement enhances vehicle stability, vehicle dynamics and ride quality. Large wheel openings accommodate 16-inch steel wheels with all-season touring tires or available 17-inch aluminum wheels and OWL all-terrain tires housed inside signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel openings. Patriot's large wheels, 27- to 28-inch outer diameter tires and suspension design contribute to 9 inches of ground clearance on Trail Rated models equipped with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package. The low-profile design of the rear suspension also maximizes rear seat and cargo room. All 2007 Jeep Patriot models will be available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat. FLEXIBLE, FUNCTIONAL INTERIOR WITH CLEVER INNOVATIONS Form follows function in Jeep Patriot's spacious interior, which combines functional style, comfort and versatility in an appealing and roomy package. Jeep Patriot's flexible interior gives owners the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear. In addition, a command-of-the-road seating position (two inches higher than Dodge Caliber) gives Jeep Patriot drivers an added feeling of control. All Patriot models feature two two-toned interior color selections, clever features in the instrument panel and center console and the versatility of fold-flat rear seats. Flexible seating options in the Jeep Patriot include a front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility, and makes way for storing gear - everything from an 8-foot ladder to skis or snowboards. Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats with an available recline feature provide added flexibility and comfort. Folding the seatbacks forward creates a nearly flat load surface, maximizing storage in the Jeep Patriot. Jeep Patriot has 39.4 inches of rear seat leg room, 54.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat. In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Patriot has many available clever and unique interior features that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including: * Standard side-curtain air bags * An available 458-watt Nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities * An available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight * A sliding center armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player * An available 115-volt outlet in the center console that can power small electronics * UltraFloor(TM) durable vinyl load floor that is both removable and washable * YES Essentials(R) seat fabric - an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti- microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration * An available navigation system that helps Patriot drivers find their way both on- and off-road Jeep Patriot's instrument cluster area is large for a compact SUV and features four gauges. The Jeep Patriot Limited model features a painted silver bezel. Cluster gauges are black with white graphics and orange pointers and are illuminated by Light-emitting Diode (LED) lights. The instrument panel provides convenient storage compartments for added utility. The glove box door swings down to provide a large, single bin for storing the owner's manual and other documents out of sight, while an open bin above the glove box provides additional easy-to-reach storage space. The center stack, which features a Silver Alloy painted bezel to complement the instrument panel, includes air registers that can be closed so there is no perceivable airflow, as well as the radio, climate controls, the switch bank for optional heated seats and the transmission shifter. These components are all within easy reach of the driver and passenger. A cubby for storing small items is located beneath the radio. Additional storage is located in the doors. Map pockets molded into the front doors can hold as many as six CD jewel cases. The 6x9-inch speakers mounted in the front and rear doors are the largest standard speakers in the Patriot's class. Jeep Patriot also features a gated shifter, a feature typically found on premium vehicles. The shifter bezel includes an illuminated PRNDL indicator to make it easy to see when driving at night. Jeep Patriot Sport has standard Vinyl Tech(TM) cloth seats that feature a patterned insert with a solid bolster and back panel for a sporty look. YES Essentials stain-resistant seat fabric is available on the Jeep Patriot Sport model. Leather-trimmed bucket seats are standard on Jeep Patriot Limited. The manual adjustable front bucket seats include adjustable halo head restraints for optimum comfort and visibility. All models feature a two-tone interior color theme of dark and light shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige. Franklin grain is patterned on the instrument panel and lower trim. The upper trim is grained in Aura to match the texture of the premium Aura headliner fabric. DATASOURCE: Chrysler Group CONTACT: Kristin Starnes, +1-248-512-0889, or , or Beth Ann Bayus, +1-248-512-0350, or , both of Chrysler Group Web site: http://www.daimlerchrysler.com/

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