[4x4]

Jeep CEO Mike Manley promised that even though the Renegade will be made by Fiat that it will remain "capable like a true Jeep"

This is reassuring as I was worried that looking at the photos that it basically looks like a Fiat 500L.

And I am sure none of us want a Fiat 500L with a Jeep badge.

It better look and drive like a Jeep but just much smaller.

My expectations is increased ride height. More capable tires. 4x4 system with a least one axle locking.

 

[tony]

Decent expectations. With the sort of ride height going on here im not sure what to expect.
Ride height is one thing I think will stay consistent or close enough

 

[Jeepers]

I would think that the ride height would stay the same between this tester and the actual Renegade. I wonder if it is going to be a small SUV or more of a crossover. I would be cool if it was kinda rally car sized and height.

 

[Willy]

I would think that the ride height would stay the same between this tester and the actual Renegade. I wonder if it is going to be a small SUV or more of a crossover. I would be cool if it was kinda rally car sized and height.

so small hatchback? No thank you...

 

[4x4]

It would be whatever class the Mini Countryman is in and the Fiat 500L.

Ride height will be increased from the 500L so you can climb over mall parking lot speedbumps with some speed dont worry.

And it'll hopefully have a locking 4x4 so you can climb those snowy on ramps at full throttle.

 

[tony]

About winter driving with it, It will be interesting to see how well it sells in nothern states and even in canada.

 

[4x4]

Considering Canadas love for smaller cars I would say sales should be good.

Canadians like small cars and they love 4x4 / AWD

The Renegade seems to be a good fit.

 

[tony]

Yeah it sure does. Probably why they get both the Chevy Trax and Buick Encore while the U.S. just gets the Encore, along with other vehicles.
Lucky Canucks!

 

[4x4]

They also get the new Nissan Micra as well. Its strange because big cities in the US are more dense compared to Canada yet Americans feel the need to buy big trucks and big SUVs. But most of those are likely central USA

most of the east and west coast don't even have cars.

 

[tony]

What do you guys think aftermarket support will be like for the Renegade?

 

[4x4]

not that big.

Jeep aftermarket is more aimed towards off roading

The Wrangler having the most support and second to the old Cherokee.

The new GC is getting good support as a performance model. Especially with that SRT around.

New Cherokee is too new.

And this small Cherokee is probably going to be last place for aftermarket.

It'll have the regular stuff like lights, floor mats, etc

I don't expect to see anything hardcore like engine work or suspension. Its kind of like asking hows the aftermarket support on the 500L?

Erhmmm not that great.

 

[tony]

You might be right.
I think it will depend how they market it. Being a much cheaper Jeep and being unlike many Jeeps they sell and sold.
If they attach a lifestyle to it and offer up enough options and accessories, it could help to jump start the wave of aftermarket parts.

 

[4x4]

I think options will be a must! For cheaper cars that is how Jeep will make their money back.

Cheap cars have low margin - the options and accessories will make up for that.

 

[tony]

Options are key.
I really think they should make the Renegade as simple as they can and make everything else an option, it will work well for both sides.

 

[4x4]

Agreed. the base model will no doubt be FWD and be cheap

But an option for an AWD and a good one is perfectly acceptable. Maybe even more options like the Cherokee having ActiveDrive I II and III

 

[tony]

AWD option is a must, even if it's FWD biased by more than most prefer.