Bill Chergosky, Product Designer at DaimlerChrysler's Pacifica Advanced Product Design Center in Carlsbad, California, offered up these comments on the design of the Varsity's interior: "The instruments, dials and other details appear to be more than just that. The door handle could be rock climbing equipment and the vehicle compass and attitude sensor would fit nicely in a survival kit. The two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes are selected by a solid metal dial. Big green stitches adorn the leather steering wheel and seats. Adding sophistication, the interior is executed in warm celery- and olive-based colors with inviting textures."
Chergosky continued, "The center stack interlocks with the backbone console and incorporates vertical design elements in harmony with Varsity's front and rear exterior appearance. Black rubber inlays in the satin aluminum surfaces and raised aluminum strips in the cargo area add to the protective atmosphere in the interior."
DaimlerChrysler describes the Varsity not as a new Jeep sport/utility, but rather a go-anywhere, do-anything urban adventure concept. Tom Gale said, "We once again challenged ourselves to invent a new vehicle category. In doing so, we melded the versatility of a five-door hatchback with a unique roofline and the Grand Cherokee's capability. As sporty and powerful as it is, the Varsity is a true Jeep vehicle. This concept is as adventurous as the people who drive Jeep vehicles today, whether in an urban environment or off-road."
As automakers scramble to increase their SUV offerings, it seems only natural for Jeep to distill its core attributes into a more street-oriented vehicle to compete with the onslaught of car-based utility vehicles. So long as the Jeep virtues remain intact, the Varsity could prove to be quite a versatile, spirited entry in this soon-to-be flooded market.