More than just a facelift.
American SUV makers Jeep are throwing quite a bit of kit towards its Renegade compact, as the model undergoes a refresh ahead of the 2019 model year. It’s a significant car for the brand, being the most popular model they sell in Europe. Which is probably why they’ve thought it wise to perhaps throw more than a handful of skin-deep changes, and go the whole-hog and make some properly important changes.
One of the more important changes will come in the powertrain department. The Renegade is set to receive a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mill, like some of the larger models in the range, replete with a 48V mild-hybrid system when it goes on sale in the next year.
Further revisions will see the inclusion of a larger infotainment screen, namely a 6.5-inch Uconnect system that will offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as absorb all the physical buttons that presently frame the infotainment screen. That should come as a plus to the younger buyers that the Renegade tends to naturally attract.
More than 70% of Jeep’s sales in the UK last year came from the Renegade, so it’s critical that the company nails the revised models’ offering when it arrives next year. Prices are expected to rise ever so slightly given the amount of tech on board, though with a mild-hybrid powertrain dropping Co2 emissions (and therefore, roadtax) significantly, we’re doubtful that many a European buyer will mind.
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