While its scheduled debut at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show is just a few days away, someone apparently got impatient and decided to leak a photo of the 2015 Jeep small crossover.
Jalopnik published this photo of the newest Jeep. The site identifies it as the 2015 Renegade, although the rumor has it that this small Jeep could be called Jeepster instead.
Whatever its real name is, the Jeep will be based on a shortened version of the Fiat 500L’s platform, and will in turn spawn a Fiat mini-crossover called the 500X.
Although this model will likely have a smaller footprint than the current Patriot, its styling looks a bit more aggressive and macho. The car in the photo appears to have an exterior dress-up package similar to the one offered with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Naturally, this small crossover will have all-wheel drive, but it probably won’t be as off-road capable as more traditional Jeeps. It will be interesting to see if Jeep affixes one of its “Trail Rated” badges to this cute ‘ute’s flanks.
While its ability to tackle the Rubicon Trail may be in question, this small Jeep should have what it takes to do battle with small crossovers like the Buick Encore and Nissan Juke on the showroom floor.
We’ll have complete details on the 2015 Jeep small crossover and all the other notable car debuts from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show later this week.
Update: New photos added.