JEEP launched its stylish compact SUV, the Renegade, back in 2014 and it has now had a mid-life facelift. That means a fresh new look, updated interior and more economical engines.
The safety features have also been upgraded on the iconic American brand's car, which is available in four trim levels called Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, priced from £19,745 to £31,655.
The 2019 Renegade is powered by new three and four-cylinder turbo 1.0-litre 120hp and 1.3-litre 150hp turbo petrol engines. For those preferring diesel, there is an updated 1.6-litre 120hp unit and a 2.0-litre Multijet II powertrain with 140hp or 170hp.
These can be mated to a six-speed manual, DDCT (Dual Dry Clutch Transmission) or nine-speed automatic gearboxes depending on the engine, along with the choice of two or four-wheel-drive. We tried the Limited with the 1.6-litre 120hp diesel engine delivering 320Nm of torque, costing from £26,445.
This front-wheel-drive car, with its six-speed manual gearbox, could complete the 0-62mph dash in 10.2 seconds and maxed out at 110mph. According to official figures, it could deliver combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg (WLTP), with emissions of 127g/km.
The Renegade is easy on the eye, with its bold upright stance, trademark Jeep nine-slot grille, new fog lights, black wheel arch mouldings and lower body cladding, square tail lights with a distinctive cross pattern and circular headlights.
The interior has a more modern, authentic styling, with neat eye-catching colour combinations, upgraded materials, all the infotainment technology you could wish for via the Uconnect system and upmarket leather upholstery.
Techno treats are plentiful and, on the Limited model, include an 8.4in Uconnect touchscreen (five or six-inch on lower trims), with full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is GPS navigation, dual-zone climate control, a DAB radio and a six-speaker sound system.
The seats are comfortable and can be heated, along with the steering wheel, to help fend off the winter chill and there is enough room for a couple of adults to sit comfortably in the back.
Add a third and it gets a little too snug but, with young families in mind, there’s ample space for three youngsters in the back.
Storage options are good, with a boot capacity of 351 litres that increases to 1297 litres with the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This rear bench set-up was part of a Function Pack adding £700 to the cost.
The Renegade was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and the latest model has been given even more safety kit.
Standard across the entire range are Lane Sense Departure Warning-Plus and Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, six airbags and electronic stability control with electronic rollover mitigation.
On the Renegade Limited model, you get Forward Collision Warning Plus, whereby radar and video sensors detect whether you are approaching another vehicle or large obstacle too rapidly. The system warns you and, if ignored, assists with the braking to avoid a crash.
There is also an Automatic Park Assist and Park Sense system that helps to identify a suitable parking space and then guides the driver with audio and video instructions that also appear on the TFT instrument cluster.
Jeep has certainly raised the bar with the latest Renegade. It still looks quite quirky and fun, with lots of character, but seems to have matured and developed a more all-round appeal.
Factfile:
- Model: Jeep Renegade Limited 1.6 MT FWD
- Engine: 1.6-litre diesel
- Power: 120hp
- Top speed: 110mph
- 0-62mph: 10.2 seconds
- Average mpg: 47.9
- CO2 emissions: 127g/km
- Warranty: Three years/60,000 miles
- Price: £26,445
