Two entry-level Jeeps on the way.

Seems there are two entry-level Jeeps on the way, the Compass only being one of them. It's possible that the Autoweek spyshots we saw last week were of the other upcoming Jeep. Hard to say yet, although I saw quite a few styling cues in the spyshots that lead me to believe it WAS the Compass we saw. I will be interested to see what the other Jeep looks like.

I am looking forward to driving a sporty AWD Jeep and I am hoping that will be the Compass...but if the other Jeep fits the bill better, so be it.

Jeep will build 2 car-based vehicles
By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / June 13, 2005

DETROIT -- Jeep will introduce two car-based vehicles next year that are expected to generate combined annual sales of 90,000 units.

Both will be entry-level vehicles. One is expected to be aimed at the all-wheel-drive Subaru Forester sport wagon, according to an industry source who asked not to be identified.

Jeep has not said what vehicles are planned. But industry sources say Jeep's first car-based models will share a platform with the sleek, front-wheel-drive Dodge Caliber hatchback, which replaces the Dodge Neon. That platform was engineered for awd applications.

The two Jeeps are code-named MK49 and MK74, according to the source.

The MK49 will have awd, sporty styling with a wagon silhouette that is low to the ground. The MK74 will have a taller roofline so it looks more like an SUV, and the wheelbase is expected to be slightly longer.

While the MK49 is expected to be targeted at Forester buyers, the MK74 will be aimed at Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 buyers.

Both vehicles are the first Jeeps not engineered for severe off-road use......

See the full Autoweek article here.

Autoweek Spy Photos

Autoweek has a couple new spy shots of the Jeep Compass out and about road testing. Hard to tell much under that much camouflage but note the spare tire has been moved and there are now four doors rather than the two that the concept had. I will withhold judgment until I see it without the black tarps but I will say that I fear Jeep may have lost some of what the concept had going for it. This doesn't say "rally inspired" to me, it says small SUV. Which may be their intention. We shall see.

See the full article here.

Another Autoweek Spy Photo