The 2015 Jeep Renegade will be built at Fiat's Malfi, Italy factory..when equipped with the diesel option the little Renegade can tow 3,300 pounds, when the rear seats are folded flat will have 30.7 cubic feet storage, this version will be sold in over 100 countries, entry level model will have only a 6-speed manual as the sole transmission option.
The other engine will be the familiar 2.4L 4-cylinder with a 9-speed automatic. Jeep Active Drive uses a rear-axle and power transfer unit disconnect to improve mileage.
But does this sound safe? The Jeep at 3200 lbs is said to be able to tow 1.5 times it own weight!? :R
BUT "Kicking Tires" Website says.."Inside is Jeep's Tek-Tonic design combining the rugged structural elements with more luxurious materials along with extreme-sports style colors and compartments. The five-seater is powered by either a 160-horsepower 1.4-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission or a 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic, available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Renegade is expected to hit dealerships in early 2015.
The "Jeep Renegade Forum" and several other Jeep sources say "The drivetrain specs show a neutral position for the transfer case so I hope it will be 4 down towable like the Cherokee".
Packard Automobile ads back in the 1920's said
"Packard...ask the man who owns one!" Using that as a starting point...keep in mind that FThe Renegade IS built in Italy by FIAT, and built on the FIAT 500L unibody frameless chassis...so reliability and durability is historically going to be questionable.
Just make sure to get the longest warranty available...I've owned FIAT's, and it IS true that the name FIAT stands for "Fix It Again Tony"! All the mechanics at the FIAT repair shop that I frequented drove Toyotas!
Here in dry, sunny SoCal my poor little FIAT got rust bubbles under the paint in just 18 months after purchase! We will watch with interest!
Funny FIAT King of the Hill Cartoon!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data, and are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes, should not be constituted as related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, religious, spiritual, or practical advice. After all it's FREE! Amen. :W