Jeep Renegade review

The Jeep Renegade. So, is it a new model?

Yes. Jeep may describe itself as the inventor of the SUV, but it has never previously offered a credible contender in the rapidly expanding crossover segment. The Renegade is intended to put that right. Pricing had not yet been confirmed, although we were told European prices would start below €20,000.

Jeep Renegade size and design

Just how small is it?

Measuring 4,232 mm in length, it is virtually the same size as a Skoda Yeti – naturally, the greatest car ever made. Along with the Mini Countryman, the Yeti is the model Jeep mentions most often when discussing the Renegade.

The Renegade carries recognisable Jeep design cues. Its upright slatted grille and circular headlamps reference both the original Willys Jeep and the Wrangler, while its profile hints at the old Cherokee. Its designers have also packed the cabin and exterior with nods to Jeep history, some of which feel a touch... chintzy.

For example...?

The touchscreen bezel is engraved with ‘Since 1941’, while an image of the Willys front end appears on everything from the speakers to the rear lamp lenses. The rev counter uses a mud splatter rather than a red line. And the central dashboard air-vent arrangement was inspired by ET’s head.

Like a Mini, it tries rather hard and will certainly not appeal to everyone, but so what? The near-saturated crossover market already has plenty of sober competitors. It is good to see one that does not take itself overly seriously.

Off-road ability and on-road manners

But is it serious in the areas that count?

Possibly more so than necessary. Although it was developed alongside the forthcoming Fiat 500X – with shared chassis hard points, wheelbases and a factory in Melfi, Italy – the two models take distinctly different paths from there.

In the USA, where Jeep anticipates selling huge numbers of them, off-road performance matters greatly. Consequently, some genuinely serious equipment is available. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can choose between two all-wheel-drive systems. The tougher version adds hill-descent control, a crawler ratio and extra ground clearance. Both systems feature an adjustable driving-mode dial with snow, mud and sand settings, although it can conveniently be left in auto.

We drove the range-topping Trailhawk, fitted with the more hardcore system, and it is impressively capable. It tackles demanding climbs and descents with little difficulty, smoothly apportioning torque between wheels even when others are left hanging in the air. Naturally, almost no owners will ever do this, but those wanting an authentic Jeep can at least tick that box with the Renegade.

And how does it perform on tarmac?

It is entirely acceptable. Ride comfort is mostly supple, while refinement is respectable considering its bluff sides and specialised mechanical package. Grip is plentiful in both front- and four-wheel-drive forms. It corners competently but never becomes genuinely engaging – leaving it behind the Skoda and Mini in this respect – yet it is never objectionable.

Its selection of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines is familiar from Fiat and Alfa models. The 118 bhp 1.6-litre diesel is likely to be one of the biggest sellers and has just enough muscle for the Renegade on the road, although it is far from quick. The range-topping 168 bhp 2-litre diesel is much more persuasive, though it will probably cost considerably more, particularly when paired with the nine-speed automatic gearbox that suits it so well.

Nine ratios?

Indeed, although sensibly there are no steering-wheel paddles: taking manual control via the lever can become rather confusing. When left alone, its shifts are not as immediate or seamless as those of a well-sorted twin-clutch gearbox, but that scarcely matters. It selects ratios intelligently and changes down smoothly. It never chose the wrong gear during our drive, and it also made the challenging off-road route seem easy.

A manual gearbox is available too, a fact that has made the American online press very enthusiastic. Yes, this remains a Jeep in which you can "shift stick", with a six-speed manual offered on most versions – although not on the toughest Trailhawk.

Technology and personalisation

Is there any other technology worth knowing about?

Every Renegade comes with a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth, while higher-specification versions receive a 6.5-inch screen with satellite navigation plus a TFT display between the instruments. The options list also includes various safety systems, including lane-departure and collision-avoidance technology, which are starting to feel de rigueur these days.

I expect there are countless personalisation choices, too...

Correct. The robust colour range combines traditional off-road-inspired greens and browns with brighter orange, yellow and blue shades. There is a large choice of alloy wheels, US Army-style decals and, for anyone willing to study the accessories catalogue closely, numerous attachable tents and kayak carriers. It would hardly qualify as a crossover without a bundle of outdoor-pursuit clichés.

When will I be able to buy one?

It was due to reach most European markets shortly, with UK sales beginning in the first quarter of 2015. Should Jeep price it correctly, the Renegade ought to make a strong case for itself: it has genuine off-road talent and a sense of fun missing from several rivals. It has not yet displaced this from its position as the world’s greatest car, though.