Patriot

American SUV specialists Jeep released an updated version of its compact 4WD Patriot in mid-2011, bringing extra equipment and subtle styling changes.

Externally, the trademark Jeep seven-slot grille had a new mesh finish and the round headlights gained clearer lenses. The front and rear bumpers got a more aggressive, angular appearance and fatter lower-body cladding on its flanks.

Inside, the diminutive Patriot gained welcome new soft touch front-door trim with padding on the upper surface, a new centre armrest, new steering wheel with audio, cruise and phone controls, different seat cloth and new interior backlighting for door window, mirror and locking switches.

Cruise control became standard on all variants, while the Limited got automatic temperature control.

The new Patriot had an increased ride height and suspension upgrades including a larger rear sway bar. The powertrain was unchanged, with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a standard five-speed manual or optional continually-variable transmission (CVT) automatic with six-speed ‘AutoStick’ manual-shift mode.