Geneva Motorshow: Jeep Renegade revealed

Jeep pulled the wraps off the replacement for the Compass and Patriot - the Renegade. The company has announced plans to sell the Renegade in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based on an evolution of Small Wide platform that forms into the Fiat 500L, the Renegade wears a rugged-looking front end and the round headlamps, accompanied by a seven-slat grille gives it a nostalgic (reminds you of the World War II Willys) and well-rounded look.

The Renegade features a 101.2 inch wheelbase and gets front-wheel-drive-based underpinnings. Jeep says that the Renegade possesses off-roading capabilities which are worthy of the brand. The ground clearance it gets is 6.7 inches while the approach and departure angles are best-in-class. If you opt for the Trailhawk model, the ground clearance increases to 8.7 inches, while water-wading ability is rated at 19 inches. The Renegade comes with front-wheel-drive as standard, but Jeep promises two four-wheel-drive systems are on offer.

Then there's the Jeep Active Drive, with a fuel-saving rear axle disconnect system. It can send up to 100% of engine torque to any wheel as needed. There is even the Selec-Terrain traction control with Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and (Traihawk only) Rock modes. The entry-level engine that makes its way into the Renegade is a turbocharged 1.4-litre, four-cylinder which is capable of churning out 160bhp. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Jeep describes the inside of the Renegade as 'intersections of soft and tactile forms with rugged and functional details.' The Uconnect infotainment system is available with 5.0- or 6.5-inch touchscreens, while a seven-inch instrument cluster TFT screen can also be made available. The Renegade will be produced in Melfi, Italy and will go on sale in Europe followed by the US.