EXPANDMore 2015 Jeep Renegade details are coming out, and all the best boxes are ticked: 4WD only, a diesel version for the US, and an open-air variant are going to be in Jeep dealer's catalogues by the end of this year.
Automotive News found a statement from Jeep saying the Renegade is "designed in America and built in Italy," based on the "small wide" Fiat platform.
They went on to confirm that the Renegade will only be available in 4WD, which I found shocking based on its Kia Soul-like stature. On top of that, Jeep is going to offer an "open air" version, both diesel and gasoline engines, and a Trailhawk "Trail Rated" off-road variant. Oh yeah, and the Renegade will be the first small SUV to be available with a nine-speed transmission.
What the heck is that thing????? Looks nothing like a jeep, if that's Chryslers idea of a jeep, what a joke. Looks more like a ford escape or other small SUV, definitely not a renegade. I think this may be the beginning of the end of what we all know a open top jeep should look like. I hope they don't sell many of these.
The All-New 2015 Jeep® Renegade Trailhawk®offers Trail Rated® capability with the standard Jeep® Active Drive I 4x4 system with low range, a 1-inch factory lift, distinctive front and rear fascias, skid plates, 17-inch off-road aluminum wheels, aggressive tires and red tow hooks.
Either Chrysler is catoring to the yuppie crowd or this is vengeance for us complaint about poor gss mileage every model year. They obviously can no longer care for the traditional class of jeepers who kept the name JEEP a alive since WW2 , they know someone will buy it with no contention as to the future of the name JEEP. True off-roaders have lost their place in chryslers eyes and have bowed to the government standards. Truth be told , we knew they didn't have a choice . Sad as it is , we are left at the mercy of aftermarket to keep our beloved jeeps alive.
Yes , your right . But as usual , it's us against them. Whenever we battle big business , we are tangling with big brother.The bulk of what's going on is the auto makers all have to meet a fleet wide fuel economy standard. If they don't meet it they have to pay fines. If this "jeep" keeps Jeep/fiat/Chrysler producing Wranglers that are at least close the heritage of what we all like to think of as a real Jeep so be it. If you really want to complain write Congress or the president. (fyi if you think it's bad now wait until 2025 when all manufacturer's must meet 50mpg fleet wide...who's to blame? Obama!)
It looks like a Scion/Kia. I keep seeing hamsters driving it around.
Bacon
So...who's going to be the first to buy one?
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From Jalopnik
I'm sorry , but whenever I see one on the road , the last thing I'm thinking of is giving a wave .
Perhaps I'm being too judgemental. I should be happy that there is an effort on the part of the manufacturer that the jeep name is still alive and kicking and has not disappeared with the likes of Oldsmobile and Pontiac firebirds . Just wonder how that fancy nine speed will fair ! May make an interesting swap some day in the future !I'm easy - I'll wave at about anything. I usually only get waves back from Wrangler and XJ guys though.