Jeep plans Mini rival

The revitalised Jeep brand, showing revised versions of its Compass and Grand Cherokee in Geneva, will be competing with the likes of the Mini and Audi A1 in 2013, according to Mike Manley, CEO of the Jeep Brand.

With Fiat now in control at Chrysler and Jeep, the Italian firm's know-how in small engines will be put to good use in the new small Jeep. It will retain all the usual Jeep styling cues, though, but add a degree of personalisation and be available with all-wheel-drive as well as front-wheel-drive.

According to Manley, Jeep needs to 'fulfil the needs of emerging markets', which means smaller models. He said that the design of the new car is well advanced and 'looks stunning' and that it will go on sale in the UK sometime in 2013. We'd expect prices to start at around 14,000 - 15,000.

Jeep's revised Compass compact SUV will lead a fresh Jeep assault on the UK market in May, from around 18,000. New engines will provide far more competitive mpg and CO2 figures than on previous models. An all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee will follow shortly after with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and prices from around 35,000.

Manley also confirmed that a more expensive Jeep will come to the UK a new Wagoneer model based on the Grand Cherokee, but with a greater level of luxury and three rows of seats.