Jeep presents hybrid variants of Renegade and Compass

MANILA: Jeep has unveiled the new e-Hybrid variants of the Renegade and Compass. Orders are now available for both models, with the first units arriving in the UK in March. The e-Hybrid variants follow the success of the plug-in hybrid 4xe lineup, which now accounts for more than 25% of Jeep’s total sales in Europe.

In a statement, Jeep Europe Head Antonella Bruno said, “The Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid offer a new entry point into our electrified portfolio, expanding our sales momentum by offering more hybrid options to more European customers. This product expansion will continue in the summer of this year with the introduction of the 4xe version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.”

The new variants come with an innovative hybrid system that features a new four-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine churning out 130hp and 240Nm of peak torque, as well as a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The propulsion system also features a built-in 48-volt electric motor that generates 55Nm of torque, equivalent to 135Nm at gearbox input level. The new variants consume up to 15% less fuel and emit 15% less CO₂ than previous petrol variants.

The Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid variants provide a new alternative in the two-wheel-drive segment, thanks to the new hybrid technology. Customers may maintain their driving habits while enjoying a genuine hybrid driving experience, with full-electric power at start-up, low speeds, cruising, and parking maneuvers.

The new four-cylinder turbocharged engine was specially designed for hybrid use, with improved thermodynamics to reduce fuel consumption. It has a high compression ratio, a redesigned cylinder head with compact combustion chamber, dual variable valve timing, and special “high-tumble” intake ducts. Another new feature is the high-pressure direct injection system, which can operate at up to 350 bar. In addition, a belt starter generator is placed in the petrol engine to ensure quick and silent restarts.

The Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid variants come with an intelligent brake system, which has an “auto-charge” feature that uses mixed regenerative braking to maximize kinetic energy recovery and enhance efficiency.

The hybrid variants provide a versatile and pleasant driving experience, thanks to the various features that allow the vehicle to move in electric mode. By using a pure-electric, silent-driving mode, the vehicle can be operated without having to start the petrol engine. It can also recover energy that would otherwise be wasted during deceleration (e-coasting) and braking (regenerative braking). The hybrid variants also have an “e-boosting” feature, which allows the electric motor to give more power to the wheels. The electric motor’s torque can also be used to improve the petrol engine’s operating point.

The new Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid variants may be driven in various driving situations using only the electric motor. This is made possible by a range of electric operating modes, such as e-Launch, e-Creeping, e-Queueing, and e-Parking. These modes can be activated depending on the battery charge status and the power output needed.

The Compass e-Hybrid is available in four trim levels – Night Eagle, Limited, Upland, and S. Meanwhile, the Renegade e-Hybrid is available in Upland and S. All variants come with front-wheel drive.

Unique aesthetic elements, as well as the use of sustainable materials and eco-friendly paints and finishes, distinguish the Upland special edition variant.

The Upland features a new and exclusive Matter Azur exterior color, a two-tone black roof, and gloss-black alloy wheels. Its distinctive look is further defined by the new MetaKrome bronze finishes on the front grille rings and rear skid plate, as well as a special sticker on the bonnet.

Recycled materials were used on most of the Upland’s interior elements such as the headliner, floor mats, and the exclusive Seaqual seats that are made of recycled plastic collected from the ocean.

Some of the black plastic panels and components applied on the interior on the Renegade were made from recycled materials, specifically plastics that were formerly used in headlamps. Both the door panels and the dashboard of the Compass are made from the same material.

To give drivers a complete hybrid driving experience, the Renegade and Compass technologies enable a variety of operating modes. The hybrid system can be managed through the Hybrid Pages, which allow the driver to see the distribution of thermal and electric propulsion, as well as the driving history via petrol or electric. This enables drivers to have complete control over their driving experience.

The system comes with an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch Uconnect NAV system with touchscreen, as well as an on-board and remote connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

The new hybrid variants also come with a pre-installed Uconnect Box that gives access to Uconnect Services and other features that can be activated through various touchpoints such as the My Uconnect mobile app, a smartwatch, the website, buttons on the vehicle’s ceiling lights, and voice assistants.

The My Uconnect mobile app gives the car owner access to various connected services for management of vehicle status and maintenance, remote control of location, locking and unlocking the doors, turning on the lights, and receiving assistance as needed.

Customers can create an account as soon as they purchase a Jeep vehicle by downloading the My Uconnect mobile app as soon as they purchase a Jeep vehicle and start enjoying many technological and connected benefits even before their new vehicle is delivered.

The new hybrid variants also comes with an array of advanced safety features, including traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, drowsy driver alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition, and new highway assist.

The Renegade e-Hybrid is available in eight different exterior paint colors, while the Compass e-Hybrid comes in seven body colors. A wide range of alloy wheel designs are also available for both models.

Pricing for Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid starts at £31,130, while the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid starts at £32,895.

Photos from Jeep

Also read: Jeep bags ‘Best SUV Lineup’ honor in 2021 Auto Awards by 'Newsweek'