Jeep Patriot news - Jeep Patriot flies the flag -2006

It seems Jeep has a new model for every motor show it goes to and New York is no exception with the launch of the Patriot, which was first seen as a concept at last September's Frankfurt motor show.

With a name to stir the soul of Americans, the Patriot has trad Jeep looks not dissimilar to a scaled-down Commander.

That's not far off the mark in other respects because the Patriot is aimed at family buyers, but not those seeking a seven-seater.

In the US, the Patriot will go up against the Toyota RAV4 and upcoming new Land Rover Freelander.

However, unlike these rivals and almost incredibly for Jeep, the Patriot's entry-level model will be front-wheel drive only.

Fear not, the Freedom Drive I (are you sensing a George Bush-inspired theme here?) has four-wheel drive, while the Freedom Drive II option adds a low-ratio gearbox for proper dirty work.

A five-speed manual gearbox will be the standard attachment to the 172bhp, 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, while a continuously variable transmission will also be on offer.

A turbodiesel is expected for markets outside of the US, which will make its way into UK-bound Patriots.

Sales begin in the US in the summer, with specs and prices for the UK set to be announced nearer to the car's early 2007 launch this side of the pond.

Read Jeep Patriot Car Review