Following the recent photos of an undisguised EV prototype, we now get to see the interior of the “Jeepster”. While we have already caught prototypes of the baby Jeep on numerous occasions, this is the first time our spy photographers got a look inside the cabin. Surprisingly, the dashboard was not covered, allowing us to view what appears to be the final design for production.
The layout of the digital cockpit is not
that different from the mechanically-related Peugeot 2008, although the SUVs do
not appear to have shared components besides a few generic buttons and
switches. The Jeep gets a larger free-standing infotainment touchscreen that
looks similar to the 10.25-inch unit on the Fiat 500 EV and will most likely
find its way in the successor of the Fiat 500X. Below we can see the full-width
climate vents, a large tray covering more than half of the dashboard, and some
physical buttons next to the volume knob. The center console has plenty of
storage compartments, while the metal gearshifter shows that this is a manual
Jeep.
Speaking of variants, the smallest SUV in
Jeep’s future range appeared in ICE-powered form this time, as hinted at by the
exhaust pipe sticking out of the rear end. The model is expected to share its
exterior design with the EV variant, with the exception of the “e” badges.
Despite the fact that a combustion engine is hidden under the short bonnet, the
signature Jeep grille is still fully covered, leaving the bumper intakes to do
the job in terms of cooling. Other features include the fancy LED lights, the
pronounced front and rear fenders, the skid-plates, the rear spoiler, and the
cube-shaped taillights that look like an evolution of the Renegade.
The yet-unnamed Jeep will ride on the
CMP/eCMP architecture which is already used by an array of Stellantis models –
rather than the STLA Small platform that will debut later. Siblings in the
B-SUV segment include the Peugeot 2008, the DS3 Crossback, the Opel Mokka, as
well as the next-gen Fiat 500X, and the already confirmed Alfa Romeo Brenero.
As with all the aforementioned models, the Jeep is expected to come in FWD-only
flavor, with ICE and EV powertrains.
The fully electric variant will most
likely use Stellanti’s familiar eCMP setup including the front-mounted electric
motor producing 134 hp, and the 50 kWh battery, although
specs could be slightly upgraded. As for the variant with the combustion
engine, chances are it will be the turbocharged 1.2-liter PureTech engine, in
regular or in mild-hybrid form. Given the timing of the launch, we don’t think
that Jeep will offer a diesel-powered version, with the 1.5-liter BlueHDi being
in the dawn of its career. We expect to learn more about Jeep’s newest model at
Paris Motor Show this October. The SUV will be produced in the Tychy plant in
Poland, together with the mechanically-related Fiat 500X successor and the Alfa
Brennero.