Jeep Renegade e-Hybrid Mid-range mild hybrid

JEEP RENEGADE E-HYBRID

IsthismildhybridtheidealcompromisebetweentheICE-onlyandPHEVversions?

AJeep that starts up silently is not something many drivers will be used to, but this Renegade does just that, thanks to an e-Hybrid powertrain that marks the latest step in Jeep’s move towards an allelectrified range in most of Europe.

The model, as with the larger Compass e-Hybrid, joins the Jeep line-up alongside a new 4xe plug-in hybrid variant. Unlike the 4xe, the e-Hybrid is front-wheel drive only. It commands a £7000 premium over the entry-level, petrol Renegade and is slightly cheaper than the PHEV.

The new powertrain consists of a 128bhp 1.5-litre turbo petrol, a 20bhp electric motor and a 0.8kWh 48V battery. A second electric motor is attached to a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Jeep claims emissions and fuel consumption improvements of up to 15% over the pure-petrol Renegade.

All-electric driving functions include the aforementioned silent start-up (which Jeep has called e-launch), e-creeping, e-queuing, e-parking and reversing, and energy recovery under braking. Most of these are effective and the energy recovery from cruising is excellent, so it’s easy to keep the Renegade’s battery topped up.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine kicks in smoothly when accelerating, although the transition to it feels slightly too early. Still, unless you’re heavy on the accelerator, it is hard to immediately tell when you’re back on petrol power.

The gearbox, meanwhile, struggles on steeper inclines and faster roads, with sluggish shifts that leave the engine gasping for air.

The driving dynamics are similar to the standard petrol model’s. Grip and stability are both decent, but a reliance on assistance tech dampens the feel and enjoyment. The ride is uncompromised by the extra weight of the battery and electric motors but, as with the regular Renegade, there is significant vibration on rougher city Tarmac.

Economy figures for the model have not been confirmed yet but the Compass e-Hybrid has an official combined 46.3-49.3mpg. So the fuel gains may prove insufficient to warrant the price premium over the 44.1mpg petrol-only Renegade. Meanwhile, the 4xe PHEV is similarly positioned and will offer more as an economical option. JACK WARRICK

JEEP RENEGADE E-HYBRID S

A competent mild hybrid with good e-functions, held back by sluggish gearshifts and a high price AAABC

Price £31,130 Engine 4 cyls in line, 1469cc, turbo, petrol, plus 48V ISG, 20bhp electric motor Power 147bhp at 5000rpm Torque 177lb ft at 3000-5000rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, FWD Kerb weight tbc 0-62mph 10.0sec (Compass) Top speed 120mph (Compass) Economy tbc CO2, tax band tbc RIVALS Audi Q2, Toyota C-HR

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