A Jeep launch in the centre of Jo’burg? Yes, the Renegade was specifically launched in the urban jungle because it marks a watershed moment in the history of Jeep… It’s the brand’s first compact SUV to be marketed primarily at city dwellers. Jeep fanatics that live in the Big Smoke will breathe a sigh of relieve as it does not matter how capable a Wrangler is or how cool it looks, for the purposes of parking in town, the rugged off-roader is as manoeuvrable as an oil tanker…
Its identity
The Renegade SUV is the first Jeep product co-developed by American and Italian designers and engineers and produced at the SATA plant in Melfi, Italy (also the home of the Fiat 500L, with which it shares a platform). Jeep calls it a compact SUV as it does not quite fit the traditional B-segment from a price and size perspective. The vehicle I drove was a front-wheel-drive version (four-wheel-drive models, including a Trailhawk version, will only be available later in the year, as will be a turbodiesel derivative), but according to Jeep this model will constitute the bulk of the sales.
Natural competitors?
It is becoming increasingly difficult in the vast SUV/crossover market to align competitors owing to size and price differences. The Renegade is larger than a Nissan Juke and is comparable to the Nissan Quashqai, at least in terms of size. Jeep’s foray into the premium market has seen the price point of the Renegade passing that of the Opel Mokka and aligning it with the Mini Countryman however – it’s a brave move.
Styling
The Renegade’s exterior treatment pays tribute to the original Willis Jeep with its square design, including the famous vertical, seven slat grille, trapezoidal wheel arches and round headlights. Aided by the bright paint colour options and stylish wheel designs, the newcomer stood out in down-town Johannesburg’s surroundings. The appearance manages to strike a fine balance between boutique and ruggedness.
The interior appears upmarket and simplistic with a soft touch dash, seven-inch infotainment touch screen (which is surprisingly difficult to operate on the move owing to small virtual buttons) and leather upholstery. There are traditional Jeep touches, such as a grab handle above the cubby hole and a “since 1941” inscription in the centre of the dash, to name just a few of them. Some plastics, such as the steering column surround and the door panel inserts, were of a lower quality however.
Driving position and practicality
Owing to the boxy shape and high roof line the interior does feel spacious and there is enough range of adjustment on the steering column and driver’s seat to allow a driver to get comfortable behind the wheel. The legroom in the second row is adequate for family use and Jeep claims a luggage capacity of 372 dm³, which is on par with the competition. The rear seats can fold flat to allow big items to be swallowed with ease.
How does it go?
The test unit was powered by a 1,4-litre turbopetrol unit borrowed from Fiat and it produces 103 kW and 230 N.m. The engine provides the firepower needed to leave racing taxis in its dust, but it is not the smoothest small-capacity turbo engine in the marketplace. When cruising in a high gear, the six-speed manual transmission needs to be called upon when overtaking acceleration is need. At least the ’box is pleasant to use with a weighty shift action. Indicated fuel-consumption on the launch drive was around 7,5-litres/100 km which was impressive given our driving style.
The steering action is slightly on the heavy side, but it endows the vehicle with a solid feel aided by good road/wind-noise insulation. Just make sure the lane-keeping assist is not set at its most sensitive setting because when active, as the autonomous steering action (to avoid crossing a lane marking) is too invasive.
Ride and handling
I was impressed with the Renegade’s damping performance (Koni shocks are fitted on all four corners) over the broken road surfaces of inner-city streets. The suspension provided a comfortable, yet firm ride. There were very few bends on the route that tested the newcomer’s handling ability, but it should be on par for the segment.
And off-road?
We had the opportunity to drive the vehicle on a short off-road course prepared by Jeep at the old Johannesburg railway station. The Jeep acquitted itself well with the steep slopes and ditches aided by the 175 mm of ground clearance. Obviously it has no 4×4 and first gear is too tall for any rock crawling, but at least the Renegade is infused with some Jeep spirit. When it arrives, the Trailhawk model should be the real deal.
Summary
Overall the Renegade impressed with looks and performance ( it also has a long list of standard features). Safety is assured with a five star EuroNCAP-rating and a six-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is included as standard. For Jeep, the only obstacles to sales success are a) convincing potential buyers that the Renegade is a true Jeep (given its Fiat roots) and a steep asking price of R375 990.
FAST FACTS*
Model: Jeep Renegade 1,4 Limited
Price: R375 990
Engine: 1,4-litre, V8, turbopetrol
Power: 103 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 230 N.m 1 750 r/min
Transmission: 6-speed manual
0-100 km/h: 9,3 secs
Top speed: 194 km/h
Fuel consumption: 6,0 L/100 km
CO2: 140 g/km
*manufacturer claimed figures
