Compact crossover is the biggest trend in the automotive market today and Jeep is well-aware of it. The all-American carmaker is famous for building large and overpowered 4×4 but after giving it a long thought, the company have finally made their decision to participate in the trending segment with the upcoming Renegade.
It is quite a late decision from Jeep as the segment is already crowded with the likes of the Peugeot 2008, Mini Countryman, Skoda Yeti and market dominator, Nissan Juke but Jeep are hopeful that they can still compete. After all, the company believes that the Renegade has so much to offer that it deserves a shot in the specific market.
In detail, the Renegade will offer what most of its rivals does not and that is the ultimate off-road experience. The fact that the Renegade drives on the 4×4 architecture gives it that cutting edge to even overtake the 2WD Nissan Juke.
Even on design, the Renegade inspires confidence on its viewer. This is not surprising as Jeep has been teaming up with Fiat that will boost the way the Renegade’s style. Furthermore, there are 6-different powertrains that comes with the compact 4×4. Three of them are petrol mills while the other three are turbo-diesels.
The petrol motors, in particular, are identified as a 110bhp 1.6-litre and a 140bhp or 170bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre. It is able to sprint from 0-60mph in just 8.8 seconds, while enjoying a top speed of 121mph. Then there are the diesel motors which are the 120bhp 1.6-litre and a pair of 2.0-litres offering 140bhp or 170bhp. The less-powerful 2.0-litre can return 55.4mpg while the 1.6-litre produces 120g/km.
The gearbox too comes in three variants. Consumers can choose from the 5/6-speed manual, a twin-clutch semi-automatic or a nine-speed traditional automatic transmission.
As great as the Renegade looks or sound, we still don’t feel that it is going to leave a major impact in the global compact crossover segment. Yes, the Renegade is the best and affordable 4×4 that is coming to town but come to think again, does everyone really need a 4×4?
