First Look: Jeep's All-New Renegade

Available in some seriously unique hues, from a vibrant orange and an army-inspired khaki, to a shimmering white, the ‘baby Jeep’ as the press is endearingly referring to the Renegade, has a much younger spirit and, indeed, driver in mind. Marking the brand’s first entry into the Small SUV category, the Renegade could be described as a slightly more compact version of the popular Wrangler, but comes with some very special details. Designed by the experienced team at Jeep HQ in the States, it still has that robust, powerful feel to it, but with smoother edges and cute little design details including several ‘Easter eggs’ in the form of Xs we were challenged to find both on the exterior and inside the vehicle. After a formal introduction to the newest family member, it was time to drive.

Available in five different models to suit different driver and terrain needs, we started the first part of our test drive on both the highways and quaint villages in suburban Milan in the automatic Sport version, in Alpine White, which glistened on a sadly grey September morning. The cabin, with its orange accents and rough and ready style, is spacious much like you expect a Jeep to be, though it wasn’t overwhelming, as it everything is easy to reach from driver’s seat. Behind the wheel, though the car is elevated, it  doesn’t feel like you’re driving a mammoth car like many SUVs do, creating confidence for those, like myself, who’ve only previously driven hatchbacks and standard saloon cars. 

The spectacular scenery of rural Milan made for an aesthetically pleasing drive, up hills populated with grape vines and down alleys you wouldn’t even expect cars would be allowed. Stopping for photo ops every couple of miles, the Renegade certainly turned heads, making up for the fact that I wasn’t being papped, front-row at Armani Couture. The drive itself was definitely smoother than Central Milan where the world’s press were fighting over each other for the perfect shot, while traffic came to a standstill for fashion week, as the 9-speed automatic transmission did all the hard work. The Sport version is made for the city, available only in front-wheel drive, though it can still pick up some serious speed thanks to its 185 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark engine. However, the city is all well and good – but what of Jeep’s raison d’etre? What was this ‘baby Jeep’ capable of when compared to its big brothers?

It was time to off-road. Swapping the Sport version for their signature, top-of-the-line 4x4 Trailhawk model, in Omaha Orange nonetheless, we were out to prove something on the proving ground. The specific off-road equipment of the Trailhawk includes increased ride height of 35 mm compared to 4x2 model, off-road suspension and skid plates, and unique front and rear fascias with enhanced approach and departure angles.  Powered by a 185 horsepower 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir engine, with nine-speed automatic gearbox, the Trailhawk burst through bushes, scaled impossible angles and stood perfectly suspended on just three wheels when we tested it to the extreme. And it was certainly extreme as we competed to see who from our group could cause the biggest splashes as we revved through mud, sand and water, trying not to rely on what Jeep’s ambassadors referred to cheekily as the ‘oh shit handle’ to keep ourselves steady as we tackled the roughest terrains.

Scheduled to hit the MENA markets in the first quarter of 2015, the Jeep Renegade will certainly peak the interests of younger drivers in the region who could very much benefit from the sturdiness and spaciousness of an SUV, without guzzling too much gas or finding it impossible to park in our crowded cities. With a whole host of options, add-ons and accessories, it will even find a place in the hearts of die-hard Jeep fans and extreme off-roaders as its capabilities remain robust despite its size and fun design – more than making up for missing fashion week.