MICHIGAN: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is planning to build a pair of SUVs larger than the current Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500X pair.
The prototype in the image gallery of this story was spotted by our friends at CarPix, and its size is similar to the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Kuga.
While the vehicle is covered in a thick layer of camouflage, we can observe a front end design resembling the Fiat Toro. The rear end design is pretty well concealed, but we can spot the rear lights of the vehicle.
The new SUV from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be sold under the Fiat and Jeep brands. Both models will share the platform, engine range, four-wheel drive system, and manufacturing facility.
While Fiat might call its version the 500XL, a name rumored for some time and expected to be showcased this year, Jeep is presumed to call it Patriot or Compass. Either way, the new SUV is set to replace both mentioned models in the Jeep portfolio.
Previous information announced the new SUV co-developed by Fiat and Jeep would be launched in South America first. The decision was linked to the manufacturing facility, which would be located on that continent. Shortly after launching on the market mentioned above, Fiat and Jeep would sell their new C-segment SUV on a global scale.
Some voices in the industry claim the new model is based on a stretched version of the Jeep Renegade’s platform. The architecture is called Small Wide platform, and is shared with the Fiat 500X. We expect the Italian-American corporation to continue testing prototypes in less-camouflaged versions.
The production variant of the SUV you can notice in this article’s photo gallery is supposed to be available sometime next year. Until then, Fiat and Jeep do not have an adequate answer for the hugely popular compact SUV segment.
Fortunately for them, the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500X are doing well on the European market concerning sales, but they still have a gap in an important segment.
