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Jeep Patriot is worth a look Continued from pg. 1 The upgraded CVT, which adds $1,750 to the base price (instead of $1,400 for the lower-tier CVT), includes a low range that engages when off-road mode is activated. This best-in-class 19:1 ratio is ideal for crawling over rocks and logs, made even easier with the 2.5 cm (1 inch) increase in ride height for this year. Hill-descent control, which is also part of the package, helps you to descend steep grades under control. `Trail Rated', in case you're unaware, means the vehicle meets the company's standard for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance. The Patriot may not measure up to the legendary Wrangler, but still provides nine inches of ground clearance, a 29-degree approach angle, a 33-degree departure angle and a 23-degree breakover angle. Good for at least moderate off-roading. The trail rated Patriot also has added body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents for up to 19 inches of water fording ability. Jeep certainly doesn't go overboard on powering this vehicle. The Patriot features a standard 2.4-litre World Engine that generates 172 hp and 165 lb/ft of torque, putting it right in line with four cylinder competitors like Tucson and Sportage, but marginally behind Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Consequently, I wouldn't describe performance as heart stopping, but in today's world of a buck-twenty-plus per litre of gas, who's complaining? Six cylinder-powered compact SUVs, like the RAV4, are more fun on dry roads, but less amusing at the gas pump. Numerous engineering improvements, including an increased rear sway bar diameter, increased vehicle damping and better rebound in shocks and struts, have improved ride and handling. Steering is more responsive and has more feel, and there is now additional sound deadening. Despite this last enhancement, moderate road and wind noise still penetrates the cabin, as does the characteristic moan from the CVT. Chrysler has improved the interiors for all their products in 2011, and the Jeep Patriot is no exception. Upgrades include new soft touch frontdoor trim panels; a new steering wheel with integrated controls for audio, cruise control, phone and other functions; backlighting of door switches, locks, windows and mirror controls, and more. There's still plenty of hard plastic, but the chrome rings around the air vents and knobs, leather-wrapped steering wheel and nice fabrics are welcome progress. And there's plenty of room for the driver and passengers, who can expect loads of head and legroom in both front and rear. Seats are comfortable and supportive, with available heating up front. WHEELS April 07, 2011 The Jeep Patriot gets several interior upgrades for 2011, including new soft touch front-door trim panels; backlighting of door switches, locks, windows and mirror controls, and more. Cargo room is also abundant, and its fig- Jeep Patriot worth a serious look. ure of 1,775 litres doesn't do justice to the Jeep Patriot North cavernous area opened up when you drop 4x4 2011 (at a glance) the 60/40 rear seats and fold the front pasBODY STYLE: four-door, compact senger seat forward. To keep things in place, sport utility there are four cargo tiedowns in rear. DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, fullFuel economy, as posted, is a relatively frugal 9.9/7.5L/100 km (city/highway), but time four-wheel-drive ENGINE: 2.4-litre DOHC four cylinder my average in mostly urban driving was in with dual variable valve timing (172 hp, the high 12s. The Patriot starts out as one of the least 165 lb/ft of torque) TOWING CAPACITY: up to 2,000 lbs expensive compact SUVs on the market. But once you option it up to become a with Freedom-Drive II package FUEL ECONOMY: 9.9/7.5/L/100km comfortable, convenient, fully off-road capable vehicle, the price climbs sharply to (city/highway) PRICE: (front drive) Sport $15,495, 30-grand and beyond. Is it worth the price? Well, that depends North $19,795, Limited $22,795; (4x4) on your desire to leave the asphalt. But Sport $17,695, North $21,995, Limited keep in mind that if you do, the competi- $24,995 WEBSITE: www.jeep.ca tion thins rather quickly, making the 2011 2011 FRONTIER SV 4x4 model shown UP TO 2011 TITAN SL UP TO SL Crew Cab model shown $ UP TO 7,000 $ IN TOTAL CUSTOMER VALUE $ 11,500 $ IN TOTAL CUSTOMER VALUE UP TO 1,500 $ 9,000 $ 1,000 IN NO CHARGE GENUINE NISSAN ACCESSORIES IN BONUS FACTORY REDUCTIONS FINANCE CASH 1,000 $ 5,000 $ 1,000 IN NO CHARGE GENUINE NISSAN ACCESSORIES IN BONUS FACTORY REDUCTIONS FINANCE CASH VISIT MILTON NISSAN TODAY FOR DETAILS. 1% PREFERRED CUSTOMER RATE REDUCTION AVAILABLE TO ELIGIBLE RETURNING CUSTOMERSQ *No Charge Nissan Genuine Accessories is only applicable to new 2011 Titan/Frontier up to a value of $1,500/$1,000. All accessories are installed by dealer. Not valid for cash equivalency. See dealer for details. Offers valid April 1st and April 31st 2011 Up to $9,000 in Bonus Factory Reductions is based on stackable trading dollars and varies by model. Can be combined with current advertised lease and finance offers. ±Finance cash of $1,000 is only applicable to customers that choose a finance payment on new 2011 Nissan Titan/Frontier models. Finance offers are available on approved credit through Nissan Canada Finance for a limited time, may change without notice. Retailers are free to set individual prices. nPreferred Customer Program: If you currently lease or finance your Nissan vehicle through us, you may already be pre-approved to lease or finance your next new Nissan model. 1% Preferred Customer Reduction currently available on the 2011 Sentra, Rogue, Maxima and Altima (except Hybrid) models. Please contact Milton Nissan for Nissan Canada Finance pre-approval terms and eligibility. Incentive program rate adjustments cannot reduce the lease or finance rate below 0.0%. Martin St/Hwy 25 www.miltonnissan.ca James Snow Parkway Milton 585 STEELES AVENUE, MILTON 401 Steeles 905.878.4137 N Main St. Thompson SALES DEPT. HOURS: Monday - Thursday 9:00 - 9:00 Friday 9:00 - 6:00 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00