Jeep isn't the sort of company that is traditionally associated with small soft-roaders. The company is best known for its off-roaders and luxury SUVs, like the new Grand Cherokee L. The Wrangler is another of its popular offerings, one that has always been aimed at enthusiasts to the extent that it's is now available with half-doors. But it seems that the time has come for the brand to offer something smaller than both the Jeep Compass and Renegade, and reports say that a new Jeep is on the way, with production expected to begin in July 2022. It'll be the first Fiat Chrysler model on a PSA Groupe platform as part of the Stellantis merger and will be followed by small models from both Fiat and Alfa Romeo.

Production of this new model is reportedly to occur in Tychy, Poland, will be based on the Compact Modular Platform (CMP), and will use engines developed by PSA. The Alfa and Fiat crossovers will follow in January 2021 and July 2023 respectively and will have full-electric power, which makes sense since this same platform underpins the all-electric Opel Mokka. Stellantis says that CMP-based production from this plant in Poland will be very important for the merger, with expected numbers of 400,000 units per annum. The company hasn't given names for these new models, but with the group investing $204 million in the modernization of the Poland plant, we can expect some new components to go along with the new vehicles.

Of course, a Jeep should offer all-wheel drive, and this new model could offer this with an electric motor on the rear axle. Presumably, the Fiat and Alfa models will follow the same convention. The Alfa Romeo crossover is intended to slot in below the upcoming Tonale, but no details have been provided about Fiat's new offering, although it is possible that this new model will be of similar size to the 500X. So a new Jeep is coming, it'll offer electric power, it'll be available with AWD, and it'll be small. Could this be the beginning of Jeep exploring the viability of less off-road-focused vehicles than ever before? Probably, but we'll have to wait until we know more to confirm anything.