If you want the benefits of an electrified powertrain without the need to plug in, you’ll want to take a look at these mild hybrid new versions of Jeep’s Renegade and Compass SUVs.
First thing’s first, let’s start with the two vehicles at hand.
The Renegade is Jeep’s most compact offering, a rival to the likes of the SEAT Arona, MINI Countryman and Audi Q2, while the larger Compass sits a rung down from Jeep’s full fat Wrangler and takes on competitors such as the Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai and the Hyundai Tucson.
Up until now, you could enjoy both the Renegade the Compass with a ‘4xe’ plug-in hybrid powertrain, which delivers power of up to 240 hp, tons of torque, great off-road ability and up to 134 miles to the gallon.
That’s great for those who really want to get the best efficiency from their lease vehicle, but perhaps not so great for those who don’t want the hassle of finding somewhere to regularly charge it.
Now, though, Jeep is catering for the latter of those two lease customer types by offering a new 48 volt ‘e-Hybrid’ mild hybrid system which, according to Jeep, delivers up to 15 per cent lower consumption and CO2 emissions when compared to previous petrol versions.
Antonella Bruno, Head of Jeep Brand Europe, says:
“Today’s announcement builds upon the success of our current 4xe plug-in-hybrid portfolio, and is another step towards the comprehensive electrification of our full product line-up in Europe.
The Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid offer a new entry point into our electrified portfolio expanding our sales momentum by offering more hybrid options to more European customers. This product expansion will continue in the summer of this year with the introduction of the 4xe version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.”
The e-Hybrid option marries a 1.5 litre turbo-charged petrol engine with a 15kW electric motor which, when combined, produce power of 130hp and 240Nm of peak torque.
All models are front wheel drive.
Meanwhile Jeep says you’ll be able to tap into full-electric propulsion at start-up, when travelling at low speeds, cruising and during parking manoeuvres. As with other hybrid systems, the battery has an ‘auto-charge’ capability where it’s able to claw-back kinetic energy through mixed regenerative braking.
The vehicle can travel in silence and with zero emissions using only the electric motor, while the petrol engine is turned off, for short periods of time.
And lease customers will also be able to get their mitts on an eco-friendly new ‘Upland’ special edition from launch. The Upland features a liberal use of sustainable materials as well as environmentally-sound paints and finishes.
It also gets a two-tone black roof, gloss back alloys, and eye-catching chrome flourishes on the exterior.
Inside the cabin you can enjoy either a 8.4-inch touchscreen with the Renegade or a 10.1-inch with the Compass, as well as full phone integration.
And in terms of safety, the systems fitted as standard are extensive, including Traffic Sign Recognition, Intelligent Speed Assist, Drowsy Driver Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition, as well as Level 2 (L2) autonomous driving capabilities, which uses a combination of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering to automatically adjust speed and trajectory when driving on motorways.
When it comes to trim levels, the Compass e-Hybrid comes in ‘Night Eagle’, ‘Limited’, ‘Upland’ and ‘S’ flavours, while the Renegade e-Hybrid will be available in ‘Upland’ and ‘S’ trim.
Prices start at £31,130 for the Upland Renegade but a lease deal will reduce that to pleasingly small monthly payments.
Enjoyed this? Read more of our latest news:
- More affordable Citroen e-C4 joins 2022 line-up
- Order book opens on Citroen C5 X
- Latest electric vehicle news - January 2022
- More bang for your buck with Skoda Kodiaq and Kamiq SUVs
- New Renault Austral SUV teased
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
