Tinashe Makichi Motoring
It certainly is not the first carlike Jeep but it is definitely the first one to have a combination of the loved playfulness and yet maintain an executive look. We can safely say it is the first Jeep to redefine fun and comfort. With 16 power train combinations, a huge host of features, and some off-road chops, the 2015 Jeep Renegade could be a ticket across the bridge between old Jeep fans and the new ones.
Designed in the United States and built in Italy, the new Renegade represents a key component of the company’s quest for domination in the world.
Most people who buy small SUVs don’t care about off-road ability but the new Jeep Renegade aims to put that to the test.
The Renegade is expected to get the Jeep brand into the hearts and consciousnesses of more markets across the globe.
The 1,4-litre, four-cylinder Jeep Renegade has some cool features while also offering something that we have not had for some time since the Suzuki Samurai.
To add more value to the brand, the vehicle has manual gear shifting that actually suits most Zimbabwean drivers.
It will be selling at a cool $49,950.
Factory specs regarding the Renegade’s off road abilities look promising. Some eight inch of ground clearance is enough for spots where fire roads get washed out, and 19 inch of water fording should get you anywhere.
“For those who are not “off-roading” until their wheels are completely submerged in mud or their axles are perpendicular, go find a CJ,” said one motoring fan at the launch of the vehicle in Harare.
The interior of the 2015 Jeep Renegade is an incredible combo of smart technology, cool colors and innovative materials. It’s a capable command center with the tools you need for discovering everything that is out there.
The 2015 Renegade looks capable of leaving the bitumen, bringing passengers to interesting places, and rocking roads marked four wheel drive only.
The vehicle is built from steel and has extensive computer simulated impacts allowing the vehicle to fine-tune for world class torsional stiffness.
Towing capacity for Renegades is a weak 2,000 pounds, and that is with a tow package on the 2,4. That gets you into light camping trailers, hobie cats, and in town U-hauls.
Renegade’s fully electric steering system makes spinning the helm easier and modulates the power-assist curve based on driving conditions.
A completely new direct steering torque system actively controls oversteer and is dialed in with afore mentioned electric power steering to automatically compensate for torque steer and inconveniences like the pull in crowned roads.
The Jeep Renegade boasts of 70 advanced safety which includes; collision warnings that activate brakes for you and lane-departure warnings that assist the driver with corrective action and steer you to safety.
Whenever the driver is looking for open-air freedom then everything is available in the 2015 Jeep Renegade.
The vehicle has dual panel roof features which secure panels that are fully lockable when in place. The panels can be removed and stored flat in a height adjustable rear cargo area.
Small, cheap, and beautiful the Renegade is just as much fun as its toylike dimensions; it is set to leave customers spoilt for choice.
The Jeep Renegade is set to make huge sales in South America, Europe, and Asia as well as the US but is likely to perform better in Africa. It fits well with the terrain in most African countries and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it being a darling to most Government officials.
The 2015 Renegade comes in four trim levels: the base Sport two wheel drive version, the mid-level latitude and the top of the line limited.
Eventually there is the trailhawk model. With it’s greater off road capability, which only comes with all-wheel drive and the larger 2,4-liter engine with the nine-speed automatic the vehicle is going to stamp its authority on the market.