Jeep is getting ready to unveil its all-new and fully electric baby SUV, based on Stellantis underpinnings and spy photographers caught a camouflaged prototype out in the open. Those spy shots confirm what we saw a few days ago, along with rumors about the possible use of the Jeepster nameplate.
While the prototype doesn’t immediately
hit you as a Jeep, a closer examination reveals many similarities with the
official sketches that were published last March. In fact, with Jeep’s signature
grille being covered from the camouflage wrap, the front end with the split
headlights could be mistaken for a Citroen. We are sure though that the
upcoming small SUV will look better without the wrap, revealing more of its
rugged styling.
We expect that the smallest Jeep will come
with a healthy dose of plastic cladding all around the bodywork and
aluminum-style skid plates. The electric nature means that the model doesn’t
need large intakes at the front, with the grille being entirely cosmetic. The
elongated opening underneath and the lower bumper intake look very similar to
the Opel Mokka-e sibling. The sculpted profile is characterized by the
pronounced front and rear fenders above the wheel arches that incorporate a
slightly squared look in typical Jeep flavor. The modern window line has a
strong C-pillar and what appears to be a duo-tone roof treatment which is a
must for the small SUV segment.
Moving over at the back, Jeep’s design
language is more evident thanks to the shape of the LED taillights that is
reminiscent of the larger Jeep Renegade. A large portion of the rear bumper is
covered with protective and presumably unpainted plastic cladding, while a
discreet rear spoiler is added for a sportier look. The model will be based on
the eCMP architecture that is already underpinning several small-sized FWD-only
models including the Peugeot e-2008, the Opel Mokka-e, and the DS3 Crossback
E-Tense. The eCMP was chosen because the already confirmed STLA Small platform
will not be 100% ready by then.
The baby Jeep is set to debut before the
end of 2022, as a 2023 model. It will be mainly focused on the European market
where B-SUVs are gaining popularity, but it could be offered to other markets
as well, including North America. The model will be produced by Stellantis in
Tychy, Poland, alongside the mechanically-related Alfa Romeo Brennero and the
next generation of the Fiat 500X.
