Jeep Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe production will start at FCA Melfi Plant in Italy
Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe are first ever Jeeps that come in with Plug-in hybrid technology; as a part of the company’s Green initiative. These are the first electric Jeeps and will enter production at the FCA Melfi Plant in Basilicata, Italy – the same plant from where the company has been producing the Renegade since 2014.
These new hybrid Jeeps are specially targeted for the EMEA – Europe, Middle East and Africa region but specifically for Europe markets. The hybrid Jeep Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe are connected and loaded with eco friendly technology, ideally suited for use on city roads and off road adventures on the most challenging of terrains.
Engine specifications
The two Jeep 4xe SUVs will be seen in showrooms across Europe from September. To be introduced in three trim levels of ‘Limited’, ‘S’ and ‘Trailhawk’, the Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe will offer two tunes of 190 hp or 240 hp. Both get an all electric range of 50 kms and a top speed of 130 km/h in full electric mode and 200 kmph in hybrid mode. These hybrid Jeep offerings are powered by an 11.4 kWh battery pack, positioned under the luggage compartment, mated to a 60 hp electric motor.
The motors sport ‘Powerloop’ all wheel drive system for better performance on off road conditions. Charging can be done at home via an ‘easyWallbox’ or ‘Connected Wallbox’ and also via any public charge point. Programs such as Auto, Snow, Sport and Mud and Sand are found on the two hybrid Jeep SUVs while the drive system includes Hybrid 4 × 4, 4WD Lock and 4 × 4 Low configurations.
Auto is a standard mode for continuous traction management for both on and off road driving conditions. Sport on the other hand uses both the electric motor and internal combustion engine for a sportier ride. Snow mode is designed for better on and off road grip in extreme weather conditions and Sand/Mud mode ensures maximum traction over muddy or sandy soil. Rock mode is exclusive to the Trailhawk trim and can be used in the 4WD Low mode. This mode ensures maximum levels of traction and steering facilities on low grip, off road surfaces and can ensure an easy climb over large rocks.
Hybrid, Electric and E-Save Modes
Owners of the Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe will be able to select three modes of Hybrid, Electric or E-Save. Hybrid mode uses both the engine and e-motors for an efficient mix. Electric mode is all electric and E-Save mode stores up the battery energy for use at a later stage while maintaining range or can convert the engine into a generator to charge battery upto 80 percent.
Further explaining the Hybrid, Electric and E-Save modes, the Hybrid is a default mode to be selected when the car is started. It allows for better efficiency while optimizing power and reducing fuel consumption. The internal combustion engine along with the electric motor work in conjunction depending on the road type. Once the battery reaches minimum charge level which is also called State of Charge, the internal combustion engine comes into play. The system uses start up and intervention via Hybrid Control Processor designed for optimum system efficiency.
Electric mode offers an all electric range of 50 kms with 0 emissions and can be used so long as there is sufficient battery charge. Once this charge is low, the system automatically switches to Hybrid mode. All electric mode is best suited for city driving when traffic is at its peak. In this mode, top speed of 130 km/h can be achieved.
E-Save is a mode to maintain battery charge or to charge it when driving via the internal combustion engine. E-Save offers two further modes of Battery Save (passive E-SAVE) and Battery Charge (active E-SAVE), which are activated via the Uconnect system screen. Battery Save (passive E-SAVE) maintains charge of battery via internal combustion engine while E-SAVE active or Battery Charge charges the battery up to 80% from the operation of internal combustion engine on which combined front electric generator acts.
Exteriors and Blue Badging
Jeep offers the Compass 4xe in 22 exterior colour options while the Renegade 4xe gets 18 colour choices. These include Alpine White, Glacier, Granite Crystal, Jetset Blue, Blue Shade, Sting Grey, Colorado Red, Carbon Black and Solid Black, along with three specific colours for the Renegade of Bikini and Omaha Orange while Matt Green which is only offered on the Trailhawk. The Compass 4xe gets all these colour options along with three exclusive colours of Ivory Tri-Coat, Blue Italia and Techno Green. There is also the choice of six specific wheels which are offered on the Renegade 4xe extending to seven for the Compass 4xe.
True to its electrified stance, the Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe, which otherwise sport similar exteriors, also get Blue colored lettering of “Jeep” in the front and “4xe” and “Jeep” at the rear while Blue coloured badging are also seen at the sides. The charging port sports a push open/push shut cover located on the left hand side at the rear.
Cabin includes the latest in comfort and technology. There is a 7 inch TFT color display, Uconnect NAV with an 8.4 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility along with Radio DAB. The Limited and S variants get Black colosred wizard accents on air vents, speakers and central console while the Trailhawk gets Ruby Red bezels.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, intelligent speed assist, traffic signal recognition and front and rear parking sensors. The safety list goes on to include blind spot detection, ParkView rear back up camera, automatic park assist and keyless go features. There is also a new Drowsy Driver Detection System, offered on the Jeep Renegade 4xe which is a feature to be seen for the first time on any Jeep model.
Pricing
Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe have been opened for orders in Europe with deliveries to commence from September. Renegade 4xe is priced at £32,600 (Rs 31 lakhs) in the UK. The Compass 4xe comes in with prices from 41,136 Euros (Rs 35.42 lakhs) for the ‘Limited’ trim. ‘Trailhawk’ or ‘S’ trims of the Renegade 4xe will be priced at £36,500 (Rs 34.64 lakhs) while Compass 4xe will cost 45,425.21 Euros (Rs 39.12 lakhs).
