Jeep Renegade Targets Millennials

The new 2015 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk edition features a sleek new design, which will probably throw off those of you in mechanic programs who are used to previous Jeep models. That’s because this vehicle is a product of the newly formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. With the Italian European influence of Fiat, this vehicle is smaller than previous Jeep models, and designed to be a more “edgier” city vehicle. This is more attractive to young and new buyers, who want a vehicle they can take in the city or outside of it if they want. The design is sleek, compared to the boxier and more military-like designs of Jeep models like the 2010 Wrangler. This is definitely a step in a new direction for Jeep—a brand whose trademark design has been virtually consistent since its creation.

Jeep Model History

The jeep was originally a military off-roading vehicle, developed during the 1930s. The original trademark for the Jeep brand was acquired in 1943, though the lowercase “jeep” is still used to refer to vehicles with similar off-road capabilities. In WW2, an average of 145 Jeeps were assigned to every army infantry, and were even supplied to Great Britain and the Soviet Red Army overseas. Today, Jeeps are used for many of the same capabilities—adventure sports, off-roading and travelling through difficult terrain.

Interior

The vehicle design for the Renegade was inspired by topographical maps, and this can be seen in the “mountainous” appearing interior. There are no hard edges on this vehicle—everything is smooth. This is likely the Fiat influence coming into the design process. The interior is black to convey a more serious and calming tone, and there are actually imprinted topographical maps of Utah and Moab on the cloth seats. The steering wheel of this Jeep is leather-wrapped and heated, and there is an open-air dual-panel roof. The display is personalized based on your terrain and the dash totes a Uconnect System with hands-free calling. The Jeep has five-seat capacity, making it the perfect vehicle for family or outings with friends. An interesting point for those in auto sales college is that along with the 18.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, the sky roof detaches completely to accommodate bigger cargo.

Mechanics and Exterior

The exterior of the Trailhawk still holds the traditional Jeep look, but if you’re in auto mechanic courses, you may notice a few changes. The hood has a matte black detail which is designed to reduce glare on sunny days. The vehicle has front and back tow hooks, 17 inch off-road aluminum tires and distinctive tail lights featuring military gas can details. In terms of mechanics, the Trailhawk has 4×4 capability, 0.8-inch lift with off-road suspension and a 2.4L Tigershark engine (that’s two four-cylinder engines) with nine speed automatic transition. The Selec-Terrain traction system has five modes: Auto, Sand, Snow, Mud and Rock.The speed for the Jeep Renegade is rumoured to be in the 186HP range.

Here’s an insider look at the new 2015 Jeep Renegade: