Marketed as the "most capable small SUV", the all-new Renegade is the first small sport-utility vehicle produced by the American brand. Prices for the "baby Jeep" will start at a little over $18,500 and work their way up into the high 20s, with first U.S. deliveries to commence at the end of the year.
Let's talk about engine options first, shall we? The all-new B-Segment SUV is offered with a choice of two Fiat-sourced gasoline units: a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo with 160 horsepower mated to a six-speed stick shift or a 2.4-liter Tigershark with 184 horsepower coupled to a nine-speed auto box. The latter manages more than 30 miles per gallon (9.4 litres per 100 kilometers) highway.
“The Renegade expands the brand’s product portfolio and targets the rapidly expanding small SUV segment with a best-in-class combination of fuel efficiency and off-road capability, while at the same time delivering outstanding driving dynamics and the open-air freedom customers expect from Jeep,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.
Because much of the off-road technology is leveraged from bigger brother Cherokee, the Renegade offers two of the most advanced 4x4 systems in its class: Active Drive and Active Drive Low. Both systems can provide up to 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels for optimal grip.
Despite its small dimensions and Fiat 500L-based platform, hardcore off-road enthusiasts can opt for the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk model, which boasts:
• Standard Jeep Active Drive Low with 20:1 crawl ratio
• Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode
• Increased ride height 0.8 inches to 8.7 inches
• Skid plates, and signature red front and rear tow hooks
• Unique fascias deliver 30.5 degree approach, 25.7 degree breakover and 34.3 degree departure angles
• Unique 17-inch wheels with aggressive on-road and off-road tires
• Up to 8.1 inches of wheel articulation
• Hill-descent Control
• Up to 19 inches of water fording
• Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg) towing capability with the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine
Both the interior and exterior feature an X-shaped design motif inspired by the military fuel canisters with the X strengthening rib stamped on the sides used in World War II. Two class-exclusive “My Sky” open-air roof systems are offered: a standard canvas one and an optional dual-panel power glass opening version.
The funky and spacious interior features unique design elements like the dashboard mounted air conditioning outlets and upmarket levels of technology thanks to the Uconnect infotainment system. Key features include a 5.0-inch or 6.5-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, digital audio broadcast (DAB), HD Radio, digital media broadcasting (DMB), SiriusXM Satelitte, USB port and auxiliary audio jack input.
Jeep's 2015 Renegade will be manufactured at the Fiat Group's Melfi Assembly Plant in Italy.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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Despite its small dimensions and Fiat 500L-based platform, hardcore off-road enthusiasts can opt for the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk model, which boasts:
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