Skip advert
Advertisement

Jeep to explore 'baby Renegade' Nissan Juke rival

And brand boss Mike Manley believes there’s a strong case for a compact off-roader to sit underneath the firm’s Renegade in the range

Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary - Jeep badge

Jeep is investigating a smaller B-segment SUV to sit underneath the firm’s Renegade off-roader, according to head of Jeep brand, Mike Manley.

Speaking to Auto Express at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, the Jeep executive said, “We’ll definitely explore a model below the Renegade. I’m pretty confident that as we get into the future this will be a viable segment for us.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

However, Manley wouldn’t be drawn on a timeframe for when we might see the smallest Jeep ever, stating that, “we have to go through the normal business planning process first.”

2016 Paris Motor Show

The British exec also outlined that Jeep is also heavily invested in adding electrification to its current product range, too. Manley told us that, “low CO2 isn’t just a European phenomenon, it is a global issue."

“Jeep as a brand has advanced programmes for electrification as it’s beyond doubt that we’ll have to deploy various different types of electrification technology in our vehicles.”

Jeep Renegade - front

Plug-in hybrid systems will be one of these threads, and the technology is already in house to help build Jeep’s knowledge base when it comes to electric vehicles of the future. “We’re well into the development and it’ll be progressively deployed as we see the requirements needing it and the market accepting it,” added Manley.

It means we will see a hybrid Jeep by 2020 at the latest to help meet CO2 emissions targets, with a mid-size or large SUV in the range being the most likely candidate to debut Jeep’s hybrid system.

Jeep Renegade review

It will be rolled out across the range more widely through to 2025 and Jeep has the technology to apply this to all models. However, this won’t necessarily be the case, with vehicles like the Wrangler set to keep its conventional powertrain.

Manley was keen to point out that this isn’t just to lower CO2, though. Just like a future small crossover, Jeep’s DNA would run through a hybrid SUV.

“Electric four-wheel-drive is very applicable technology for road-focused SUVs, so it could give us the reduction in CO2 emissions we need, but also add performance off-road.”

Would you buy a compact Jeep? Let us know in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Jeep Renegade celebrates a decade on sale with 2024 update
2024 Jeep Renegade - front static
News

Jeep Renegade celebrates a decade on sale with 2024 update

The refreshed Renegade now starts from £30,500 and comes with all-new technology
12 Feb 2024
Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024
Best small 4x4s - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best small 4x4s to buy 2024

Need off-road capability but in a smaller package? Take a look our top 10 small 4x4s
17 Jan 2024
Best used small SUVs and 4x4s 2024
Best used small SUVs - header image
Best cars & vans

Best used small SUVs and 4x4s 2024

If you're after a little extra style and space without breaking the bank, these are the best used small SUVs and 4x4s to buy right now
16 Jan 2024
Deal of the Day: Grab the stylish Jeep Renegade for just £196 per month
Jeep Renegade - front cornering
News

Deal of the Day: Grab the stylish Jeep Renegade for just £196 per month

With chunky off-road looks and plenty of equipment, the Jeep Renegade is a compact SUV with bags of charm - making it our Deal of the Day for 12 Janua…
12 Jan 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024