Jeep's smallest modern utility vehicle to date is about to arrive in showrooms--but not in the U.S.
The 2015 Jeep Renegade will go on sale in Europe October 1, although the first U.S. deliveries aren't scheduled until the end of this year.
However, U.S. dealers won't begin to stock full inventories of the 2015 Renegade until early in calendar-year 2015, The Detroit News reports.
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Production of the Renegade, Jeep's first subcompact crossover, is already underway at Fiat's plant in Melfi, Italy.
The smallest modern-day Jeep also rides on a Fiat platform, and is intended to attract new buyers to the brand with its downsized packaging.
At 167 inches long, the four-door Renegade is just 7 inches longer than a Ford Fiesta, and it will compete with the MINI Countryman, Nissan Juke, and Buick Encore.
It will be offered with two of Chrysler's newest powertrains, too.
2015 Jeep Renegade leaked
A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine--the same one offered in the Fiat 500 and Dodge Dart--produces 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, while a 2.4-liter four provides 184 hp and 177 lb-ft, as well as a rated towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds.
The smaller engine will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, the larger with a new nine-speed automatic launched in the larger 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
Jeep still hasn't released fuel-economy estimates, but highway ratings above 30 miles per gallon seem possible.
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Because this is a Jeep, there are also multiple four-wheel drive systems available, in addition to standard front-wheel drive.
Two new four-wheel drive systems, both variations of Jeep Active Drive, default to powering the front wheels and disconnect the rear wheels and driveshaft to save fuel.
When wheelslip is detected, or the driver engages four-wheel drive, the systems can send up to 100 percent of torque to any given wheel. The optional Jeep Active Drive Low system adds a 20-to-1 low-range mode for crawling.
2015 Jeep Renegade
The Trailhawk--which gets Jeep's Trail Rated badge--also adds unique 17-inch all-terrain tires, a hill-descent control feature, skid plates, tow hooks, and different bumpers.
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In addition to the top Trailhawk, the 2015 Renegade will be offered in Sport, Latitude, and Limited trim levels in the U.S.
Jeep expects to sell as many as 150,000 Renegades a year worldwide, reflecting increased demand for all-wheel drive utility vehicles, even small ones.
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