Plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade 4xe makes debut

Jeep has launched a plug-in hybrid version of its Jeep Renegade compact SUV that's claimed will help transition the US brand to becoming the "greenest, most sustainable SUV company in the world".

At first glance the Jeep Renegade 4xe looks identical to the standard Renegade, which is no longer available in Australia, beneath the surface the compact SUV gets an 11.4kWh battery and a 44kW electric motor mounted on the rear axle.

Combined with a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed automatic, most versions of the small plug-in hybrid Jeep make do with 140kW, although the flagship Trailhawk turns the wick up to 177kW.

Driven in its silent pure-electric mode, Jeep says the Renegade can crack 130km/h and cover up to 42km between charges.

Speaking of which, the Renegade can be topped up using a 7.4kW wall-box from empty to a full charge in less than two hours.

Emitting just 50g/km of CO2, the Jeep Renegade 4xe is claimed to average just 2.1L/100km of fuel consumption.Like other plug-in hybrids, the Renegade 4xe comes with different modes, including a battery-save function.

Choose the Trailhawk model and you get a snow, sand, rock and mud 4x4 modes for when you're off the beaten track, plus a Sport mode for when you return to civilisation.

To protect the lithium-ion battery, electric motor and control modules, engineers have added more steel body armour beneath the car, and extensive water proofing.

That helps the Renegade 4xe Trailhawk wade depths of up to 500mm.

On sale in Europe from this September, the Jeep Renegade 4xe is yet to be confirmed for Australia but is unlikely to be sold here.

Next up for the electrification treatment will be the larger Jeep Compass, which is expected to share the Renegade's electrified 1.3-litre turbo-petrol powertrain.

Before the end of 2020, Jeep's flagship Wrangler 4xe will also make its debut. Instead of the small four-cylinder turbo engine, the rugged plug-in off-roader is expected to feature a larger V6 and electric motor that could see total power exceed 225kW.