Jeep Renegade 2018 first drive

On the face of it, Jeep looks to be on a bit of a roll. With a new range of electrified drivetrains currently in development and an all-new A-segment SUV just over the horizon, the American manufacturer looks perfectly poised to respond to an ever-changing and increasingly competitive sector.

However, if you delve a little deeper, past the optimistic ‘future projections’ and new marketing strategies, you’ll discover that Jeep experienced a poor 2017 in the UK. Its market share dropped a whopping 55% over 2016, with sales dropping from 14,090 to 6380 cars. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Jeep Renegade, with its reasonable price tag and UK-friendly dimensions, made up 4540 of these - more than 70%.

So, in effect, Jeep’s small SUV is keeping the show on the road. Hence the need for Jeep to treat it to a comprehensive mid-life update.

On the surface, the 2018 Renegade benefits from some subtle but surprisingly noticeable design updates. G-Class-esque LED headlights and tail-lights give the Renegade a slightly more distinctive aesthetic, while new 19in wheels and more aggressive bumpers apparently enhance ‘urban and lifestyle appeal’ – we’re not sure what that means either.

The most important changes, however, are found under the bonnet. Two new turbocharged all-aluminium petrol engines have been developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with the aim of improving driveability and reducing emissions. The line-up is pretty straightforward: an entry-level 118bhp 1.0-litre petrol replaces the gutless 108bhp naturally aspirated 1.6 and a new 1.3 (available in both 148bhp and 169bhp configurations) replaces the 138bhp 1.4.

On paper, opting for Jeep’s new 1.0 petrol engine makes a lot of sense. Not only does it offer buyers the cheapest entry point into Renegade ownership, but it also promises to return a respectable 46mpg while delivering a decent amount of low-down grunt.

However, it doesn’t take long behind the wheel to realise that this engine, despite being turbocharged, just doesn’t have enough to shove the Renegade along with any kind of conviction. The wave of torque that should arrive at 1750rpm never really makes itself known, and even if you decide to rev the engine towards its redline, you never feel like you’re making quick progress.

Mercifully, the 148bhp 1.3-litre unit feels far stronger, endowing the Renegade with the kind of performance you expect from a small SUV. In-gear flexibility is genuinely impressive, and despite having the drag coefficient of a Georgian house, the Renegade is capable of venturing above 80mph with minimal fuss – just be prepared for a cacophony of wind noise generated by that bluff front end and huge door mirrors.