Jeep Renegade – like a Jeep, but not as we know it

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 04.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

This funky-looking mini-SUV is the new Jeep Renegade, the American brand’s surprise entry to the B-segment SUV market. The Italian-built Renegade is based on Fiat’s Small Wide platform that also underpins the Fiat 500L.

With this car, the brand is trading heavily on its military heritage. Traditional Jeep styling cues such as the seven-slat grille, circular headlights and square wheel arches give the Renegade a sort of concentrated Wrangler feel, but in a softer, less aggressive way. Thrown into the mix are some nice details like the jerry can-inspired tail lights and red Willys Jeep logos on one of the available wheel options.

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 04.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

The rugged-but-organic look extends to the interior, which features a design language called “Tek-Tonic”. Soft, tactile forms are juxtaposed with rugged details like the Wrangler-esque passenger grab handle. As with the exterior, the interior also features a number of little Easter Eggs such as a topographical map of Moab, Utah – a popular off-roading destination – in a storage tray ahead of the gearlever.

One of the main features of the Renegade’s interior is the My Sky roof system, which Jeep says continues the open-top off-roader tradition that began with the Willys Jeep. It consists of two fibreglass polyurethane panels that can either be removed manually and stowed in the boot or tilt and slide away electrically to open up the roof from the second row forward.

211/ , EUROPA; SCHWEIZ, GENF, Datum: 04.03.2014 12:00:00: 84 INTERNATIONALER AUTO SALON in Genf 2014 84e Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires, PALEXPO - Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien

Six Fiat engines will be available with the Renegade – four MultiAir petrols and two MultiJet II diesels. Depending on the engine choice, you can get either a five- or six-speed manual, a six-speed dry dual-clutch transmission or a nine-speed automatic, as well as front- or four-wheel drive (with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system). Suspension is fully independent, with McPherson struts at the front and Chapman struts at the rear.

Like the Cherokee, the Jeep Renegade is also available with a “Trail Rated” Trailhawk variant, which promises proper off-road capabilities. It features a low-range four-wheel drive system, a 20 mm higher ride height, a “Rock” setting on the Selec-Terrain system, 17-inch all-terrain tyres, skid plates and red tow hooks.

Live pix by Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • OMG…Damn nice…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
    • NurburgringDriver on Mar 07, 2014 at 4:47 pm

      Why is that? I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0 Limited, red color (in fact the only red Jeep Grand Cherokee in Subang) and its RHD. I don’t see enough facts that all Jeeps are from USA. Mine looks more like a UK/Japan unit

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
      • AutoFrenz on Mar 07, 2014 at 11:08 pm

        There r still many jeeps plying the roads most obviously in bangsar…we shld hv an authorised agent here so that we cn get to drive the new generation of cherokee grand cherokee wrangle compass n patriot…wth the renegade jeep is represented in evry segment except A…maybe drb hicom is intrsted…thre r many jeep lovers here despite its constant breakdown hehehe

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • rugged yet funky…i like :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • lizard38 on Mar 07, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    i wish i have one..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 4
  • art appreciator on Mar 07, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Love the orange one. Feisty looking car. Interior looks great. Would love to own one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Wrong name to be used on this SUV. The name renegade has “heritage” values and shouldn’t be used is such way. So wrong.

    Don’t get me wrong, the car is absolutely a cool funky looking fun box to have and run around.

    It’s like a land rover Defender but badge on a freelander. Or a land cruiser but badge on a rav4

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Beautiful on Mar 07, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    simply beautiful!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • machi on Mar 07, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    Oh no..another stupid sohai hailat car like Samloo always said. Likely will be ended up like >RM300k in non-ultraman shore!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 9
  • personally, this is the most ‘Jeep’ in all of Jeep’s currrent line up, counting aside the Wrengler that is. Heres why….its a compact, 2.0l + gasoline engine and good off-road capabilities(claimed by jeep, but 8″ of ground clearence and 19″ of water fording is something)and has a 2,000lb towing capabilities, this are all requiremnet the US Army submitted during 1940 that will result the Willys MB, also called GP(General Purpose)and when pronounced as a word in an American slurred way, ‘Jeep’. Okay its 500kg overweight from the original army specification but its to defeat modern car crashes, not the Whermacht. design wise, like the MB ,it looks very utilitarian and macho thou heavily stylized while the Interior looks more Fiat than Jeep.

    I really hope someone will import this amazing machine into Malaysia, with the 1.4l of Fiat amazing multiair and the variety of transmission combo it could do rather well here. Thou this is super unlikely cause’ as of now, there is almost no Fiat-Chrysler car sold here counting out Alfa Romeo and the two super-premium Italian marques. Which is sad, because as of now, the only other 4wd that is like this is the Suzuki Jimmy that thou iss still an awesome car, is sold at a hediously high price….and speaking of Jimmy:
    http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/t_ku-xlarge/19hibp6mvoi2hjpg.jpg

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • kami (Member) on Mar 08, 2014 at 9:44 am

    i want one!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Hate those black tits, why keeping them?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
 

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