The Jeep® brand moves towards offering only an electrified SUV portfolio in Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Nordic countries and Portugal with New Hybrid Versions of Compass and Renegade by the end of this year.
The introduction of these new hybrid versions offers customers a new point of entry into the electrified Jeep range when they arrive on the market in March. These new models join the successful plug-in-hybrid 4xe versions, which currently account for more than 25 percent of the brand’s total sales in Europe. In markets such as France, Jeep 4xe models reached more than 50 percent of total sales while in Italy, the largest Jeep brand market in Europe, Jeep was the leading brand in the LEV market, including Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids.
“Today’s announcement builds upon the success of our current 4xe plug-in-hybrid portfolio, and is another step towards the comprehensive electrification of our full product line-up in Europe” said Antonella Bruno – Head of Jeep Brand Europe. “The Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid offer a new entry point into our electrified portfolio expanding our sales momentum by offering more hybrid options to more European customers. This product expansion will continue in the summer of this year with the introduction of the 4xe version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.”
New Hybrid Electric Option
The new models debut an advanced hybrid system featuring a new 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine, from the Global Small Engine family, which delivers 130 hp and 240 Nm of peak torque, coupled with a new 7-speed 7HDT300 dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The propulsion system includes a built-in 48-volt 15-kW (20-hp) electric motor delivering 55 Nm of torque – equivalent to 135 Nm at gearbox input level – which can propel the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off. The new versions offer up to 15 percent lower consumption and CO2 emissions than the previous petrol models.
Courtesy of the new hybrid technology, the Jeep Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid models offer a new alternative in the two-wheel-drive segment. Customers can keep their driving habits intact and enjoy an authentic hybrid driving experience, with full-electric propulsion available at start-up, when travelling at low speeds, cruising and in parking maneuvers.
Designed for Hybrid Performance
The new 4-cylinder turbocharged engine has been designed to be the best fit for hybrid usage, to optimise thermodynamics, and therefore to save on fuel consumption. It operates on the Miller cycle which improves thermal efficiency and offers a high compression ratio (12.5:1), a new cylinder head with compact combustion chamber, dual variable valve timing and special ‘high-tumble’ intake ducts. Also new is the high-pressure direct injection system, operating at up to 350 bar. This petrol engine delivers an output of 130 hp, while peak torque reaches 240 Nm. A belt starter generator is also installed in the petrol engine, to guarantee fast and silent transitions when restarting.
The braking system of the new Renegade and Compass e-Hybrid includes the Intelligent Brake System which includes an ‘auto-charge’ feature using mixed regenerative braking to maximise the recovery of kinetic energy and improves efficiency.
The effect is contemporary and distinctive, courtesy of the weave interlaced with the classic chevron motif on a black base. Plastics collected from the Mediterranean with the help of fishers are transformed by SEAQUAL® into a polyester fiber that can be used as a genuine fabric. In the weaving phase, the SEAQUAL® yarn is mixed with other eco-friendly fibers, all of which are natural, recycled or recovered.
On Renegade, some of the black plastic panels and components used in the interior are also derived from recycled materials, specifically from plastics previously used in a vehicle’s headlamps. The cabin also features bronze MetaKrome painted finishes on several bezels. On Compass, both the door panels and dashboard are wrapped in the same material derived from recycled plastics, while a bronze MetaKrome finish, made with eco-friendly paints, enhances the entire profile of the dashboard.
State-of-the-art connectivity and safety features
The Renegade and Compass technology offers various operating modes to provide drivers with a complete hybrid driving experience. The hybrid system can also be managed from the Hybrid Pages, which allow the driver to monitor the distribution between thermal and electric propulsion, as well as the driving history on petrol or electric.
The system includes an up to 8.4” and a 10.1” (for Compass only) Uconnect NAV system with touchscreen, as well as comprehensive on-board and remote connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
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