- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
103kW, 230Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (98) 5.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (DCT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2016)
Jeep Renegade Review | The Sweet Spot
What is it?
The Jeep Renegade is the smallest – and most urban-focused – model from the iconic American off-road brand.
It’s the company’s entry into the booming city SUV segment, offering a retro-inspired rival to the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX and Honda HR-V. But it can also be more than just a runabout, as the range-topping Trailhawk has genuine off-road abilities that will appeal to those adventurous city dwellers that escape urban jungle every now and then.
How many models can I choose from?
There are four model grades on offer, starting with the Sport, Longitude and Limited that all come in front-wheel drive configuration.
The Sport is the only one of those to be equipped with a manual transmission as standard, hooked-up to an 81kW/152Nm 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. It can, however, be ordered with a more modern, powerful and efficient 1.4-litre turbo charged four-cylinder that produces 103kW and 230Nm with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox - the only powertrain option for the Longitude and Limited.
In its most basic form, the Renegade Sport rides in 16-inch steel wheels, has cloth interior trim, manual air conditioning and a 5.0-inch touch screen with digital radio, Bluetooth and a reverse camera.
Step-up to the Longitude and it brings larger 17-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Limited has 18-inch alloys, leather interior trim with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, privacy glass and a larger 6.5-inch colour touch screen with sat nav and a premium nine-speaker Beats audio system.
Sitting at the top of the range, the Trailhawk matches the Limited for equipment but has a completely unique powertrain and chassis set-up with a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that drives an all-wheel drive transmission via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. It also features raised suspension, shallower front and rear bumpers for better off-road clearance, under-body skid plates and 17-inch wheels fitted with dual-purpose tyres.
What do they cost?
Renegade Sport (man) $26,290
Renegade Sport (auto) $28,990
Renegade Longitude $32,390
Renegade Limited $36,290
Renegade Trailhawk $40,290
*All prices exclude on-road costs
Any options I need to know about?
The Renegade is offered in either black or white paint as standard but there are nine other premium hues to choose from, including bright green, yellow or orange.
All models apart from the Sport can be optioned with a unique My Sky Open Air roof system with removeable panels, while the Limited and Trailhawk can be had with a more conventional dual-pane panoramic sunroof.
The Limited can also be equipped with a greater amount of active driver aids. The basic Safety Pack adds forward collision and lane departure warnings as well as blind spot and rear cross traffic detection. Customers can add, on top of that, the Advanced Pack that brings semi-automated parking and adaptive cruise control.
Is it expensive to own?
All Jeep models are covered by the brand’s There and Back Guarantee which includes a five-year warranty with capped-price servicing and roadside assistance (if maintained through an authorised dealer.
Regular visits are scheduled for every 12 months or 15,000km and cost from $465, with a significant overhaul due after four years that costs $1695.
Which is the most economical model?
Any of the vehicles fitted with the 103kW/230Nm 1.4-litre turbo charged four-cylinder engine with the six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has a claimed average consumption of 5.9L/100km.
It’s a clever engine developed by Jeep’s sister brand, Fiat. Dubbed MultiAir, it features a variable valve system that is operated hydraulically, rather than mechanically like most other systems, that provides more precise control for better performance.
The 1.6-litre in the manual-equipped Sport isn’t that far behind with a claimed average of 6.0L/100km while the Trailhawk’s larger engine and all-wheel drive system means it drinks more with a claimed average of 7.5L/100km.
Which is the safest model?
The Limited is the only model that can be equipped with the optional safety packages.
Otherwise, all Renegades are fitted with seven airbags and the basic suite of electronic driver aids such as anti-skid brakes and stability control.
Which is the best model to drive?
It depends on how far out of the urban jungle you plan to venture. If you’re after a small, spacious and funky-looking city machine with plenty of gear then the Limited has all those boxes ticked and drives nicely for what it is.
If, however, you plan to escape every now and then, then the Trailhawk offers genuine off-road abilities that are well beyond the norm in this small SUV segment.
But both of them cost more than the average city-sized soft roader.
Should I buy one now?
A mid-life facelift for the Renegade is just around the corner, so Jeep is offering Driveaway deals on current models until the end of August, with an extra $1000 off for existing owners that trade-in a Jeep.
Where's the sweet spot?
All Renegade models cost a little more than their competitors, so it’s likely that most owners would consider this car as a lifestyle choice – much like a Mini - rather than a pragmatic one. In that regard, paying the premium for the Limited brings all the equipment you need – and want – unless you plan to head off the beaten path every now and then, in which case the Trailhawk offers unrivalled capability in the small SUV class.