Jeep unveils Renegade 4xe plug-in 21 | 07 | 2020

    THIS IS JEEP’S production-ready version of its first plug-in hybrid model for the UK, the Renegade 4xe. Three models will be available, starting at £32,600 for the entry-level 4xe Longitude, followed by the Limited trim at £34,500. The range-topping, offroad-focussed 4xe Trailhawk, which gets additional chassis upgrades and more power, starts from £36,500. The car arrives in showrooms in September. (Related: Jeep reveals Wrangler Rubicon V8)

    Fitted with a 128bhp 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (the Trailhawk delivers 178bhp) plus an 11.4kWh battery pack and 59bhp electric motor; the latter delivers power to the rear axle ensuring the Jeep has four-wheel drive. The good news is the 4xe keeps all the various traditional Renegade off-road driving modes.

    With an electric-only range of 26-miles, it has an all-electric top speed of 81mph. Jeep claims CO2 emissions below 50g/km and fuel economy — at least theoretically, but not in the ‘real' driving world — of up to 134mpg in hybrid mode. The battery can be recharged in less than two hours from a 7.4kW wallbox. (Related: Review — Jeep Wrangler)

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    The total combined power for the Limited and Longitude models stands peaks at 187bhp, with the Trailhawk increasing that to 237bhp. Power from the petrol engine is sent to the front axle through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

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    The technology in the Renegade 4xe not only allows the driver to experience hybrid and full-electric driving modes, but they can also take advantage of a battery saving mode. The rear motor allows for independent torque split over the rear axle, and the plug-in hybrid Trailhawk model features 50% more torque than the 168bhp diesel model. (Related: Jeep Wrangler starts at £44,865)

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    For the first time in a Renegade, the driver can select a Sport mode, in addition to the traditional Hybrid 4x4 drive modes (snow, sand, rock, mud). The Renegade 4xe has also been fitted with an energy recovery system, which features two levels of regeneration.

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    Drivers venturing offroad will be pleased to know Jeep has fitted a a range of steel underbody protection panels, all of which is made from recycled materials, to protect the drivetrain from rocks and tree roots. There’s also extensive waterproofing for the battery, engine, electric motor and EV controller, all of which combine to ensure the range-topping  Renegade Trailhawk PHEV has a maximum wading depth of 500mm.

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    Buyers of the new Renegade 4xe will be able to choose from 18 exterior colours and four wheel designs. Standard equipment includes an 8.4-inch central touchscreen display with smartphone remote control compatibility.

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    Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard kit, as is lane departure warning, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, a speed limiter function, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

    Related: Review — Suzuki Jimny SZ5

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    Jim McGill

     

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