Jeep Renegade first drive review

The definition of the word, a renegade is, according to the Oxford Dictionary, someone who deserts and betrays an organisation, country or set of principles.

For a number of reasons, the Jeep Renegade, which arrives in Australian showrooms this week, actually lives up to its name.

Firstly, it breaks with convention from the traditional Jeep offerings as the smallest SUV it has ever created, designed more to tackle the urban jungle in the booming baby soft roader segment, as well as being the first Jeep to be built outside of America (it is constructed in Italy, as it is based on the same underpinnings as the upcoming Fiat 500X).

At the same time, it carries some key hallmarks of the iconic off-road brand, including its chunky design and versatile cabin as well as a range-topping Trailhawk​ model that Jeep claims is the most capable four-wheel drive in its class and an optional pop-out roof across the range that provides the open-air ambience of its iconic Wrangler.

It also rebels against its segment rivals in terms of price, with a five-model range that starts at $29,500 (plus on-road costs) for the entry-level Sport with a 1.6-litre four cylinder and five-speed manual transmission and tops out at $41,500 (plus on-road costs) for the Trailhawk, which is exclusively available with a 2.4-litre four cylinder and nine-speed automatic and the only variant with all-wheel drive.

In between, the Sport grade can also be had with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic ($32,500) which is the only powertrain offered with the mid-grade Longitude and Limited variants.

Even in its most basic form, the Renegade is fitted with seven airbags, rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and has a digital speedo and a five-inch colour touch screen with Bluetooth connectivity.

Step-up to the Longitude, and the extra $2000 adds to the safety suite with rear parking sensors, blind spot monitors, automatic headlights and wipers and front fog lights as well as bringing some extra goodies such as dual-zone air conditioning, six-speaker audio (rather than four in Sport), a leather-wrapped steering wheel and larger 17-inch alloys.

The Longtitude extends the list of conveniences even further with full leather interior, a nine-speaker audio system by Beats, heated and power adjustable front seats, a seven-inch digital instrument display and a larger 6.5-inch infotainment screen with satellite navigation. It also has 18-inch alloys and bi-xenon headlights. But the extra kit takes its price out to $38,500 (plus on-road costs)

For the more adventurous, the $41,500 (plus on-road costs) Trailhawk not only features the unique all-paw drivetrain but has shallower bumpers and extra ride height to improve its off-road ability, as well as underbody skid plates and a full-size spare wheel (two-wheel drive models have a space-saver spare).

As we found out during a preview drive in far north Queensland this week, the Renegade brings a degree of unmistakable Jeep-ness to the city-sized SUV class with its chunky – and funky – design, bright colour palette and a spacious cabin that carries over the rugged theme.

It looks great in the metal, with plenty of retro-inspired touches that hark back to the original World War II Willy's Overland, such as the jerrycan X-motif used in the tail lights and throughout the cockpit and the sharp edge in the bonnet that sits like a GI's helmet peak over the traditional seven-bar grille and round headlights.

And just in case you didn't know it was a Jeep from the driver's seat, the cabin is littered with brand reminders, from the "Since 1941" on top of the touch screen surround, grille and headlights etched into the side of the sensor box behind the rear-view mirror and Jeep badges everywhere. There's even a Willy's Jeep in the windscreen surround and the ignition barrel has "findnewadventures" etched around it.

Ignoring them, the fundamentals of the cabin are excellent, with more headroom than you'll ever likely need and comfortable front seats with plenty of adjustment in the driving position as well as good vision through the expansive glasshouse and clear instruments. There's adequate space across the rear bench too for a couple of adults, but limited knee room, and the boot is large enough to handle weekly duties for a small family.

As for how it drives, the Renegade isn't your typical Jeep in that it the two-wheel drive variants feel more like a conventional small hatch rather than a truck. Despite its boxy dimensions, the Renegade tips into corners without too much body roll and carries through them with a surprising degree of agility.

The suspension also manages to soak up most bumps without crashing through the cabin and, although there is a fair bit of road noise on rough surfaces, it generally has a relaxed driving character, whether it's bounding through the 'burbs or out on the open road.

The 1.4-litre turbo four cylinder and six-speed dual-clutch automatic feels peppy under acceleration thanks to its low-rev responsiveness, is more effortless at cruising speeds because of its wide spread of pulling power and is quiet under acceleration. The automatic displays some hesitation in engaging drive away from the lights, but is otherwise intuitive in finding the right gear and shifts smoothly on the run.

As for the range-topping Trailhawk, with its 129kW/230Nm 2.4-litre four cylinder, we only experienced it in an off-road environment, where it proved surprisingly capable at climbing a steep, and sometimes rocky, incline thanks to its increased ride height, lockable all-wheel drive system and ultra-low first gear.

In the end, the Renegade offers a funky, unique take on the city-sized SUV with a surprisingly refreshing driving character and a decent spread of equipment. Its only drawback is, in comparison to its rivals, is its rebellious sticker price.

2015 Jeep Renegade Longitude Price and Specifications: 

Price: $34,500 (plus on-road costs)

On-sale: Now

Engine: 1.4-litre four cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 103kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 230Nm at 2500rpm

Transmission: 6-spd dual-clutch automatic, FWD

Fuel Use: 5.0L/100km

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