The new Jeep Renegade is the first compact SUV in the Jeep range and it goes on sale in Ireland this week. Entry prices start at €25,200 for the two-wheel-drive version powered by a Fiat 1.6 litre Multi-Jet diesel engine.

The new Jeep is built in Italy following the takeover of the Jeep brand by the Fiat Group, which now trades as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This new small SUV retains the Jeep look and comes with more modern European styling.

There will be four engine options, two diesel and two petrol; diesel power will be dominant version for Ireland. The 1.6 litre diesel engine has the lowest CO2 rating at 120g/km.

Jeep will offer an array of safety features on the Renegade including Forward Collision Warning Plus with Crash Mitigation which automatically prevents or reduces the impact in low-speed shunts, ParkSense Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist that automatically parks the car, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Plus and Adaptive Cruise Control. Jeep has confirmed that the Renegade has achieved a 5 Star Euro NCAP safety rating.

Jeep claims that the Renegade is the first compact SUV to feature a nine-speed transmission. It is the first in its segment to have rear axle disconnect and the first to offer the My Sky sunroof that gives occupants a true open-air driving experience. It is also the first in its segment to have a seven-inch, full-colour, multi-view display in its instrument binnacle.

The new Renegade is available with two or four-wheel drive the Renegade and claims two new, advanced 4x4 systems called Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low.

Jeep claims that the rear axle disconnect system seamlessly switches between two and four-wheel-drive to give optimal traction while at the same time reducing the energy required. This they claim reduces fuel consumption when 4x4 capability isn’t needed.

Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low are controlled by the Jeep Selec-Terrain control dial, which gives the driver four settings (five on the Trailhawk version) to optimise performance on any surface. When this is combined with independent suspension that will give a maximum wheel articulation of up to 205mm and ground clearance of up to 210mm on the Trailhawk model, the Jeep Renegade has impressive 4x4 capability in the small SUV segment.

Caption: The new Jeep Renegade comes with two diesel engine options and entry prices from €25,250 for the diesel entry model.