Jeep’s smallest-ever vehicle bowed at the recent Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland ahead of its showroom debut late this year, but it’s not technically a sport-utility vehicle. The 2015 Jeep Renegade, a subcompact tall wagon, will be built in Italy by Chrysler owner Fiat and imported to North America. In Jeep fashion, it will offer a beefed-up “Trail-Rated” model called Trailhawk, and a choice of two 4×4 systems for differing degrees of off-road capability. From the grille to the lifting rear hatch, it measures fewer than 167 inches in length, slightly more than a Ford Fiesta, notes alternate vehicle Web site, Green Car Reports. Engine choices include a 168-horsepower 1.4-liter turbo engine making 184-pound-feet of torque, and a 184-horse 2.4-liter with 177 pound-feet.
Although the new Renegade is four-cylinder-powered, Jeep says it’s plenty good at the off-road stuff.