Launched at the Turin Motor Show in June, the Renegade’s exterior changes are restricted to a restyled front bumper, blacked-out headlights with daytime running LEDs, new alloy designs with sizes from 16 to 19-inches, X-motif LED taillights on higher spec models and on the inside, new cupholders and storage areas, a wireless smartphone charger and a new 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto again on top-spec variants.

Jeep has reserved the biggest changes for underneath the bonnet though, where the 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo and normally aspirated 1.6-litre E.torq petrols make way for a new forced induced 1.0-litre triple making 88kW/190Nm and a 1.3-litre producing 110kW/270Nm.

Model-wise, the 1.0-litre can be had in Sport, Longitude and Limited trim levels with drive going to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.3 is only offered in the latter two configurations with a six-speed dual-clutch ‘box entrusted with the sending the amount grunt to the black stuff.

Kept unchanged are two the diesel engines displacing 1.6 and 2.0-litres with the former kicking-out 88kW/320Nm and the latter 103kW or 125kW with torque pegged at 350Nm. For the latter, drive is again limited to the front wheels via the manual or dual-clutch ‘box , while the 2.0-litre drops the latter for a nine-speed torque converter automatic and optional all-wheel drive as the sole drivetrain layout.

Available only with the 125kW, the flagship Trailhawk adds a low-range gearbox and Jeep’s Select-Terrain system with four modes as well as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control.

FCA South Africa has so far yet to announce local availability of the Renegade, but expect it to arrive towards the end of 2018.

PRICING