Pint-size SUV prototype previews Jeep’s first EV due early next year
A new sub-Jeep Renegade prototype has been spotted in Europe decked-out in an elaborate camouflage wrap, providing us with our first material glimpse at what Jeep’s inaugural battery-electric vehicle will look like.
Having already been previewed in digital concept form, Jeep’s first ever zero-emissions vehicle will be the flagship variant of the new light SUV model line which will be underpinned by Stellantis’ CMP architecture; the same platform supporting the Peugeot 2008 and Citroen C4.
While it’s pretty clear this particular vehicle isn’t the battery-electric version – it has an exhaust outlet – the sighting proves that Jeep is on track to launch the 2023 Jeep ‘Baby Renegade’ line-up sometime in 2023, EV version included.
Many of the prototype’s finer styling details are obscured by the busy black and white camo, but the cosmetic relationship between this vehicle and the teaser images released by Jeep earlier this year are clear for all to see.
With classically boxy proportions, the new model will fit right in among the US off-road brand’s bigger stablemates with a look reminiscent of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L … up front at least.
Riding on a circa-2550mm wheelbase, the Baby Renegade will be lucky to measure more than 4000mm long, making it roughly the same size as a Hyundai Venue, although being a Jeep, it would be reasonable to expect some form of extra off-road capability compared to its competition.
The boofy nose is offset at the rear by a stout rear overhang that should bring a genuinely excellent departure angle – not that owners will ever take one of these far off the black-top.
More than a bit of Renegade can be seen in the tailgate design, especially around the rear light clusters and bumper shape.
Hidden rear door-handles – like those on the Honda HR-V – help the new baby Jeep carve out its own identity beyond its diminutive size.
In terms of powertrains, two internal combustion engines and the aforementioned EV set-up are expected to feature thanks to the CMP architecture’s deliberate versatility, which also happens to leave the door open for a 4xe plug-in hybrid version to materialise as well, should Jeep choose to go down that avenue.
Expected powertrains comprise a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The electric version, meanwhile, is tipped to churn out 101kW and draw current from a generous 50kWh lithium-ion battery, resulting in a driving range of around 320km.
Industry insiders tell us the internal combustion variants will hit the global market by the end of this year, which lines up nicely with Jeep’s previous promise of an early 2023 launch for its inaugural EV.
Jeep’s new mini-Renegade – including the EV version – could eventually come Down Under, despite the fact that Jeep Australia chose not to import the facelifted Renegade revealed in the US in 2019, let alone the plug-in hybrid 4xe version revealed in 2020.
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Keyword: New baby Jeep SUV spotted in Europe