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. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Dacia Sandero to come with both hybrid and electric power
Dacia Sandero 1.0 TCe Expression - front tracking

New Dacia Sandero to come with both hybrid and electric power

An all-new fourth-generation Sandero is coming in 2027, and Dacia’s boss has been discussing its powertrain options
News
21 Mar 2025
Best small 4x4s 2025: compare small 4WD cars
Best small 4x4s - header image for February 2025 update

Best small 4x4s 2025: compare small 4WD cars

Need off-road capability in a compact package? Take a look the best small 4x4s
Best cars & vans
26 Feb 2025
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

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025
New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal
Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Match - front

New Volkswagen ID.3 Match 2025 review: attractive price boosts EV’s appeal

The value-focused Volkswagen ID.3 Match performs well and is easy to live with
Road tests
28 Apr 2025