One of the freshest cars we’ve driven is the Jeep Renegade, and this was back in 2016. Three years down the line, we have had another encounter with it – but this time it’s the upgraded 2020 version. We took time to see what it’s about and found it to be a lot more loaded. A whole new car, especially under the skin.
The name Jeep Renegade first made an appearance in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show as a dune buggy hybrid concept. The first Renegade didn’t make it to production, yet still remains a study vehicle. The name was then re-adopted for our featured Renegade Jeep’s subcompact cross-over SUV, which was unveiled at 2014 Geneva Auto Show.
If I had to describe the Jeep Renegade in one word, it would be ‘distinctive’. It’s so precise about its characteristics and the market it was made for, you feel its vibe throughout. It was designed to appeal to energetic, tech-savvy, fun-loving weekend people; as if to say it’s made to appeal to a generation that will grow up to one day own Wranglers.
When designing it, Jeep’s senior design team in Michigan challenged their youngest designers to create a car for themselves.
Jeremy Glover and Ian Hodge of Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA) US were up to the task. The main challenge was to set the car apart from some of its ‘cuter’ rivals in the cross-over segment, hence the bullish eyes, squared-off wheel arches and bulbous tail-lights inspired by old US Army jerry cans.
As per Jeep tradition, the Renegade was clothed with the ‘Jeep Willys’ military outdoor aura, though toned down and mixed with modern and high-tech signatures, most notable being cup holders, speakers, surface handles and the trademark ‘Since 1941’ interior label, written in the font that labeled ‘The A Team’ movie and novel. The Jeep Renegade is high-tech, exciting, and funky, yet mature and comfy.
Jeep says it’s all about personality and fun, they were out to create an urban vibe. The young designers used themes from activities such as parkour, paint ball and base jumping, and they show throughout the car. The end result was a polarising, toy-like looking car.
For 2020, the styling has been revised with the likes of full LED lighting package, sharper looks, revised grille and graphics, cornering lights, day running lights and sound which enhances its presence.
The Renegade boasts up-market materials and offerings true to its purpose. It’s loaded with a host of tech features including: iPod dock, voice command, stereo wireless audio streaming, six speakers and more.
2020 sees an upgrade from a five to seven-inch U-Connect touch screen, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, satellite radio and dual-zone climate control. Optional is an 8,4-inch touch screen with HD radio and integrated navigation.
The biggest update for 2020 is the engine. An exchange of sorts: The previous 2,4-litre upgrade is now standard and the standard 1,4 has become an upgrade thanks to a turbo-charger. For transmission, a nine-speed auto is now the standard. The new engines are notably more refined and have more output.
The Renegade offers two off-road 4×4 systems. These are: Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems, which both include the selec-terrain system, providing up to five modes – auto, snow, sand, mud and exclusive rock on the Trailhawk model.
Comfy and refined is my take on the Renegade. It’s easy and stress-free in the hustle and bustle and you will want take it on a long-distance drive thanks to its ease and refinement.
It has a toned-down version of the Grand Cherokee’s handling, though much more firm and a notch above it in technology. I was awestruck by its driver assist which negotiates bends, pulling the car back in lane when it detects a deviation. For 2020, it comes with a self-parking system, front sensors and adaptive cruise control.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
