After some time we tested the Jeep Renegade with the new 120 hp 1.0 Turbo and were somewhat disappointed — very high consumption and somewhat “short” engine for the 1400 kg of this B-SUV —, we met again with the smallest member of the Jeep range.
This time, in place of the three cylinders, we find a bigger four cylinders under the bonnet, with 1.3 l and a turbo, also gasoline, with more attractive numbers: 150 hp and 270 Nm (against 120 hp and 190 Nm).
Even though it's been six years since its launch, the Jeep Renegade is still just like itself. Lord of a square and adventurous look, the smallest Jeep continues to have a distinct and up-to-date aesthetic.
Inside the Jeep Renegade
About the interior of the Jeep Renegade, I echo Fernando Gomes' words. The build quality is in good plan, the robustness meets what we expect from a Jeep and in terms of materials we find a balanced mix of softer materials that are pleasant to the touch with harder ones.
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Ergonomically, the rotary buttons on the center console are an asset, although their proliferation makes it difficult to use, especially at night, where, at an early stage, we may have to spend more time than ideal looking for the desired button.
The large buttons help a lot in terms of ergonomics.
The infotainment system's 8.4” screen, despite the various options it offers, proved to be easy and intuitive to use. Note also for its fast and responsive operation.
Finally, as far as space is concerned, the square shapes mean that once inside the Renegade, we feel like we are in a spacious and unobstructed place, with space for four adults to travel in comfort.
Still, it's not all roses. Visibility to the outside is somewhat hampered by the fact that the rear window is small and the 351 liters of luggage capacity is only average in the segment — in this respect the Volkswagen T-Cross , for example, is better.
At the wheel of the Jeep Renegade
Once at the controls of the Jeep Renegade, we are seated higher than many of its competitors, there is no doubt that we are in command of what is expected to be an SUV.
In dynamic terms, the steering has a pleasant weight, is direct and precise, the suspension manages to satisfactorily counteract bodywork movements (while ensuring a good level of comfort) and the tires, worthy of a model of this nature. sportier (fitted on 19” wheels), they ensure very good levels of grip.
The driving position is pleasantly high.
As for the engine, the 150 hp 1.3 Turbo proved to be refined and pleasant to use, with the dual-clutch automatic transmission as a good ally. In general, the 150 hp and 270 Nm allow the Renegade to move at ease, while on the highway they allow it to maintain very high speeds, which show good insulation from aerodynamic noise.
Finally, in terms of consumption, the average stood at 7 to 7.5 l/100 km, and in cities, they rise to around 8 l/100 km. Surprisingly, these are much better values than those verified by the smallest 1.0 l of 120 hp — as Fernando mentions in his test of the Renegade with this small engine, going down from 9.0 l/100 km proved to be very difficult.
Is the car right for me?
Well equipped, spacious as well, with a markedly different look, a remarkable strength and a good level of comfort, the Jeep Renegade has in this new 1.3 l Turbo engine a good ally.
And if it is true that the consumptions are not referential (for that we have the 1.6 Multijet) they are, however, much better than those presented by the 1.0 l of 120 hp. This 1.3 Turbo ends up offering a much better balance between performance/consumption.
The Jeep Renegade continues to be a worthwhile option to consider, ideal for those looking for an urban SUV with a more radical look, while offering fast services and a good level of equipment and comfort.