Jeep investigating sub-Renegade SUV – report

Jeep is reportedly keen on a new model to slot in below the pint-sized Renegade.

Mike Manley, head of Jeep, told Automotive News Europe at the Detroit motor show the brand is looking "very closely" at a new model to fit underneath the Renegade.

This potential new model, Manley said, would be targeted at Europe and other markets where small vehicles are popular, but not the US.

Sources have told the trade publication, should Fiat Chrysler decide to go ahead with a sub-Renegade model, it will be based on the company's Mini platform, which currently underpins the Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, and Lancia Ypsilon.

Should such a car eventuate, it will likely measure under four metres in length, making it smaller than the 4230mm Renegade and 4017mm Ford EcoSport.

For reference, the current 3686mm Panda is in the same size ballpark as the soon-to-be-superseded 3675mm Suzuki Jimny.

The next-generation Panda, due in 2020, is slated to join the 500 and Ypsilon at Fiat's plant in Tychy, Poland. This means its current factory in Pomigliano, Italy, will have spare production capacity, which could be filled by a new sub-Renegade Jeep model.

A decision is expected by June this year when the company is set to present its 2018-2022 plan.

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