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

New Renault Twingo 2026 preview: potentially game-changing EV is totally retro
New Renault Twingo - front

New Renault Twingo 2026 preview: potentially game-changing EV is totally retro

The reborn Renault Twingo will cost just €20,000, however we’re still waiting on confirmation it will come to the UK
News
3 Feb 2025
Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Brussels Motor Show header

Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new BYD Atto 2, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Mazda 6e were among the key models on display at this year's Brussels Motor Show
News
14 Jan 2025
Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 set to add all-wheel drive to hybrid version
Alfa Romeo Junior on display at Paris Motor Show - front static

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 set to add all-wheel drive to hybrid version

New crossover will have two electric motors and offer “excellent traction” for winter
News
20 Dec 2024
Citroen C4 and e-C4 get 2025 facelifts and a major price cut of £5,600
Citroen e-C4 in Paris - front 3/4

Citroen C4 and e-C4 get 2025 facelifts and a major price cut of £5,600

The C4, e-C4 and C4 X have been given a comprehensive makeover in line with Citroen’s new design language
News
6 Dec 2024

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped
Volkswagen Transporter e-Shuttle - front

New Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2025 review: makes 7-seater SUVs feel cramped

The Ford-based Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle is refined, good to drive and has plenty of space in all three rows
Road tests
14 Feb 2025
Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win
Ford Capri and Cupra Tavascan - front tracking

Ford Capri vs Cupra Tavascan: similar, stylish but only one can win

Ford brought back the iconic Capri name for its new coupé-SUV, which shares its platform with the fresh Cupra Tavascan. Which is the top dog?
Car group tests
15 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts