Jeep has a proud history of tough and capable 4X4s. They also have a history of 2WD wagons that look like they should be 4X4s, so when I first saw pictures of the little Jeep Renegade, I kept my optimism down before I looked at the specs.
The Renegade runs with a more traditional front end, in comparison to the recently announced Cherokee.
Built atop Fiat’s 500 platform, the Jeep isn’t exactly laden with offroad prowess in the genes. So first things first: It’s small. Think a bit bigger than Jimny-sized, but not as big as the Wrangler. It seats five, with a fairly small cargo bay in the back (that increase with seat-trickery).
Thinking of the Renegades genetics, you would be excused for thinking it would only be spinning those front wheels. Well, I am happy to say that this is incorrect. Base models will have selective 4WD (via a disconnecting rear axle), whilst the ‘trail-rated’ Trailhawk model will be constant 4X4.
A 48 litre fuel tank will give the Renegade a reasonable stock range (especially in diesel form), considering the curb weight shouldn’t be much more than 1,000 kilgrams.
The wheelbase is 2,570mm and overall length is 4,232mm, compared to a Jimny’s 2,250mm wheelbase and 3,545mm overall length.
Where other models will find it a hard job to shake the ‘softroader’ tag, the Trailhawk gets some cool modifications and features that make it read like a capable little battler. A slight lift (20 mm), bash plates underneath and a 20:1 granny gear takes the offroad credentials up a notch. The Trailhawk can wade from 480mm of water, has hill descent control and will get some all-terrains on 17 inch alloys. Rock crawlers will scoff at the 20:1 ratio, but it should prove plenty for moderately challenging offroading, again hoping that the Renegade doesn’t weigh in too much.
The normal Renegade is the red one, where the Trailhawk (the one we care about) has the same Anvil colour as the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary.
There will be a staggering 16 powertrain combinations available for the little Renegade, including four ‘Multiair’ petrol and two ‘Multijet II’ diesel options. Bucking the automotive trend, two manual transmission will be available along with a segment-first nine-speed automatic and a dual-clutch tranny. What combinations will Australia get, we aren’t completely sure yet, so stay tuned.
Whilst the limited size doesn’t render the Renegade a great option for long distances without refuelling, Jeep have made a concerted effort to keep offroad ability a defining feature of the Trailhawk, at least.
