Jeep planning pocket SRTs

Jeep is considering hotrod versions of its latest compact models, Cherokee and Renegade

As the North American debut of the new Renegade compact SUV took place at the 2014 New York motor show, the company's global boss hinted it could be part of an expansion of high-performance SRT-branded models for the company.

Currently Jeep only has one fire-breathing SRT model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT powered by 6.4-litre V8 that produces an eye-watering 344kW/624Nm. However, Mike Manley, Jeep's global brand boss and head of Asia Pacific for Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), told motoring.com.au the new Cherokee and Renegade could be fettled for speed.

"Potentially you will see performance models beyond Grand Cherokee. There is significant opportunity, for example, in the mid-size segment... Particularly Cherokee," said Manly.

Manley’s comments echo those of Steve Bartoli, Jeep's head of international product planning, who in 2013 hinted the new Cherokee -- due to arrive in Australia mid-year -- could handle a lot more power.

Manley said that although the Cherokee was the most obvious choice for a high-performance variant, as it competes in largest SUV segment, the smaller European-built Renegade would be a perfect fit too.

"If you look at the styling of the Renegade, I think it would make quite a nice sports version," he said.

Garden-variety Renegade models will be powered by 1.4-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines, and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, offered with the company's new nine-speed automatic transmission. A Jeep Renegade SRT4 version could be powered by any number of engines used by sister-company Fiat, including an array of turbocharged petrol powerplants.

Jeep's eye-catching baby SUV isn't due to arrive in Australian Jeep dealerships for at least 18 months, late in 2015, as global demand for the car is predicted to be considerable.

Asked if the Jeep Renegade would eventually become the brand's top seller, Manley was unequivocal: "Yes, I've no doubt".

"The compact SUV segment continues to grow and we've got a phenomenal vehicle here," he said of the Renegade.

Chinese demand for Jeep is also likely to create a step-change in volume for the brand. Manley confirmed that plans for a new Chinese production operation would be announced soon – perhaps as soon as this weekend’s Beijing motor show. The plant development could also improving supply of the new pint-sized soft-roader.

"We've not had the opportunity to expand our footprint to take advantage of our brand awareness in China, so this move we've [been] talking about for some time, and will now come to fruition, is really a building block to achieving volume and brand status we should get to and rightly deserve," said the Jeep supremo.

"We've been solely a North American brand, exporting North American vehicles into some of the fastest growing markets in the world. We will be able to compete in a different way going forward. I'm looking forward to it," he said.

The new Chinese manufacturing facility will be key part of the company's planned growth, with Europe and Brazil also targeted as key growth regions.

At the Geneva motor show in March, Jeep upgraded its 2014 sales forecast from 800,000 units to 1 million. It's not clear yet which models will be built in the new China facility.