As noted, its a "mule," meaning the only thing you can really take from the photos is the size. Which was already known. And it looks like an Alfa Romeo because that is the platform they are using to test internal mechanicals, not because that is what it will look like.
Actually, this mule is based off of the Fiat 500L if I'm looking at it right.
I have to say, for a mule, this suggests some promising and encouraging things about the production model:
- It's based off the 500L and 500X platform which means it will likely be boxy.
- It appears to have a conventional seven-slot grille.
- The platform already is designed for round headlamps (the 500L's specifically) meaning that it's more likely than not that the vehicle will have round headlights this time around.
My concern is that the Jeep stylists will try way too hard to differentiate the Jeep from the 500L and 500X and end up with a Jeep that looks less like a Jeep than the 500X platform it's based off of. The 500X is going to be a looker, with round headlights and a pretty nice looking overall styling. (For example, I think this image of it is rather pretty:
http://indianautosblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Fiat-500X-side-profile-rendering.jpg) There's no need to reinvent the wheel with the B Jeep's styling. Just reduce the rakishness of the rear hatch and add the requisite Manley Jeep elements (headlights, grille, wheel arches) and I think you'll have something rather stunning to look at.
Besides, we don't know if this little Jeep will sell here anyway. Even if it does, it will simply be a gateway vehicle that will lead people up the Jeep line over time. Just like a lot of Patriot and Compass owners have ended up moving on to Wranglers, Grand Cherokees, and Liberty/Cherokees.
I hope they sell it here. I ended up not buying a Patriot in favor of a Ford Ranger because of interior ergonomics (I found that the plastic cover underneath the steering column hit my legs when I went to test it out and I didn't like the way it made it harder for me to move my foot to the brake pedal, plus I found visibility to be a PITA). I think the new Jeep with better fuel economy, a reasonable price, and a nicer interior will be something I'll seriously consider.
It doesn't need to be a gateway vehicle, it's a simple AWD vehicle for people who need to get through snow and mud. Just make it better than a Subaru in rough conditions (as Subaru, I think, is today's Jeep competitor for a no-frills AWD car) and I think that would be mission accomplished.
