The Renegade is Jeep's first entry into the small sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market (hugely popular in South Africa, in particular) and was developed and built jointly by Italy and the USA. It is already on sale in more than 100 countries and has the same engine and underpinnings as some Fiat models and it is glued together on the same Italian production line as Fiat models.
Powered by a slightly re-modelled version of Fiat's range of its newest four-cylinder engines, and linked to a six-speed manual transmission, it is a pairing which works really well as a good match for the Renegade's younger, cheekier looks.
City slicker
Although more of a handsome city dude than a khaki bushwhacker, Renegade has inherited a good slice of the brand's tough-in-the-rough DNA including the best-in-class approach and departure angles, chunky tyres, high, wide fenders and the short overhangs Jeep is known for.
On the launch drive we didn't get to play in a really challenging environment but then owners of the new Renegade will probably be attracted more by its looks than its muscle. It looks like the love child of a Hummer and Jimny but with a number of strong touches of the Wrangler, including a prominent seven-slot grille, large round headlights, square tail lights and passenger grab handle.
Another new-world touch is a chunky steering wheel with integrated audio, voice and vehicle controls. Overall, the living quarters are smart, comfortable and attractive (a clear indication of a Italian style) with a neat instrument display (including an analogue speedometer and tachometer), climate controls, USB, aux inputs and 12-volt power connectivity for mobile devices. The Uconnect system is standard on all models and Jeep also offers the option of a 6.5 touchscreen with navigation and Bluetooth with hands-free phone.
The seats are particularly comfortable and are trimmed with leather or cloth. The front passenger seat folds forward and the rear seats are flexible and can be split a number of ways. Storage space is ample at 351-litres and can be enlarged to 1 297 litre with the rear seats folded flat. Three interior trim choices are on offer including bright Anodized trim and seat stitching.
Jeep and Fiat have clearly spent some quality time on producing a well-insulated cabin with the use of laminated glass, triple door seals, acoustic wheel-well lining and filling body gaps with special foam to keep noises at bay.
Safety features include ABS brakes with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) traction control, automatic headlights, six airbags, ESC with electronic rollover mitigation (ERM), Parkview rear camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, Forward Collision Warning, a long string of others, to many and too complicated to describe here in detail.
On the road the Renegade handles the corners with confidence and it responds enthusiastically to right-foot requests for more. Although not razor sharp, the steering is accurate and well-suited to the car's overall performance. The six-speed shift is pleasantly smooth although its makings are designed more for fuel efficiency than performance.
The 1.4 MultiAir squeezed into the compact space below the Renegade's stubby bonnet kicks out a healthy 103 kW and 230Nm and also comes with Stop&Start technology (not a personal favourite and I could not find the magic button to turn it off on our fairly brief introductory drive, so I don't know if can be de-activated).
Currently there is only one two-wheel drive model available in "Limited" specification but other models, including the range flagship 2.4-litre Trail Hawk 4x4, will arrive on local shores in the not too distant future, so it might be worth waiting a while if you are a fan of the rough stuff.
While all this ads to the sophistication of the new Renegade, its strongest purchase magnet is undoubtedly its eye-catching looks which raise the bar well above the brand's traditional boxy, military shape and style.
It is also a fuel sipper with Jeep claiming it glugs only 6.3 litres of expensive forecourt juice in the combined cycle.
Dressed to impress the classy Renegade will appeal to a younger smart set, particularly those with an adventurous spirit and who want to be seen as trend-setters. Yes, with a price tag of R375 990 (which includes a three-year/100 000km warranty and six-year/100 000km maintenance plan) the Renegade is expensive --- but when you weigh up its camera lens-attracting looks, wide range of refined on-board kit, practicality, ride quality, numerous optional extras to personalise it with and the renowned Jeep name stamped on its bonnet, it has all the makings of a winner.
Bellissimo, Jeep and Fiat!
