2015 Jeep Renegade - Testdrivenow preview by auto critic steve hammes

Further expanding their adventurous allure, Jeep goes small with the all-new 2015 Renegade. This baby Jeep's aim is to expand the brand globally and as such the Renegade is built in Italy via American design. Riding on an all-new small-wide 4X4 architecture, Jeep says this SUV combines best-in-class off-road capability with world-class driving dynamics supported by new Koni frequency selective damping shocks and struts. Trail rated Trailhawk models even come with Jeep's sophisticated Selec-Terrain system and a low range transfer case which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio. Other models benefit from a full-time 4X4 system. With sales occurring in 100 countries, there are 16 powertrain combinations but here in the States the engines are right out of the Dodge Dart playbook including a 1.4-liter turbo making 160 horsepower paired to a 6-speed manual transmission and the spirited 2.4-liter Tigershark generating 184 horsepower mated to the same 9-speed automatic transmission found in the Renegade's bigger brother, the Cherokee. 4X2 models are also available. The My Sky open-air roof system -- either manual or power operated -- can be stowed neatly in the cargo area for times when more sun is on the menu. And to keep it versatile, the interior features a removable, reversible and height adjustable cargo floor panel and fold-forward front-passenger seat.