There are certain brands that simply have an unexplained cachet and feel good factor built in that many of their opposition wish that they could copy. In my humble opinion, Jeep is one of those brands.
Obviously, the Wrangler will always be the quintessential Jeep but, like all motor manufacturers they have expanded their range and now compete in many market segments in the never ending chase for sales numbers. The merger with Fiat has certainly provided the opportunity to enter the smaller Crossover/ SUV segment using the modern trend of platform sharing.
Under the skin, the Renegade may contain a lot of the Fiat 500X basics but this is then imbued with large dollops of Jeep DNA. From the trademark grille with 7 vertical slats to the tail lights with the X motif and the bold and boxy bodywork.
On the inside, the rocky effect instead of a red line on the rev counter and the large horizontal grab handle in front of the passenger seat continue the theme.
The Renegade is powered by a 1.4L 4 cylinder turbopetrol engine giving 103kW and 230Nm to the front wheels through a 6 speed automatic transmission. Overall performance is peppy and gearshifts smooth and easy. There is a 2.4L version with all-wheel drive and a 9 speed automatic available as the range topping version.
The overall ride is very smooth and comfortable and general handling through sweeps and bends was a pleasant surprise allowing for the raised ride height and boxy body.
Fuel economy is good overall and we averaged 8.3L/ 100km over a week with very mixed usage. This was without making any effort to achieve optimum economy.
I personally found the chunky styling of many of the interior elements very much in keeping with the overall Jeep feeling. All controls and knobs are chunky and easy to grip and operate. The standard infotainment screen includes navigation but, rather surprisingly, no reverse camera. Rear park distance control with an indicator in the centre of the dash does that job.
Overall, the Renegade provides good space and comfort that is highly competitive in this market segment, with the feel good factor added on top. Priced at R403 646 as tested, it is a more expensive option than some competitors .........but it is a JEEP and wears the badge with pride.
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