Jeep is finalising plans to bring its current smallest offering, the Renegade, to the Indian market. Based on the same platform as the Compass, the Renegade will be positioned below it and is likely to become the automaker’s most affordable SUV in the country.
Approximately the length of a Renault Duster, the 4.2-metre long Renegade is a lifestyle SUV that takes a lot of its neo-retro styling cues from the original Jeep Renegade, a version of the CJ3 made back in the 1970s. Unlike the Duster, however, this is not built to cost but one designed to be very attractive and appealing. To begin with, it is much taller and wider than the Renault, and then, its chunky styling gives it the feel of something like a new Mini or a new Beetle.
For the Indian market, Jeep could offer the Renegade with the same engines as on the Compass, though with lower power outputs. This means that the Renegade could be offered with the now locally assembled 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engine developing in the region of 140hp, along with a 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol motor also developing around the same amount of power.
Interestingly, Jeep could also look towards its 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel engine – similar to the one used by the Maruti S-cross – for the Renegade. The automaker already offers it under the Compass' hood in certain markets. The unit could develop around 120hp in the Renegade.
If volumes allow, Jeep could also localise the 1.6 diesel and 1.4 petrol engines, especially with Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility being very competent in localising engines.
As with the Compass, expect the Renegade to be offered with the option of four-wheel drive on select variants and engine options.
As with the Compass, the Renegade will be assembled at the Ranjangaon plant with a launch not expected before end-2018 or early-2019.
In terms of pricing, expect the Renegade to cost about Rs 1 lakh more than the Creta.
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