Jeep is going green in Europe as the company will offer a fully electrified portfolio in a number of markets – including Belgium, Germany, France, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Nordic countries – by the end of the year. As part of this effort, the brand has introduced entry-level e-Hybrid versions of the Compass and Renegade.
Both models feature a new turbocharged
1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that develops 130 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The company said the engine has been “designed to
be the best fit for hybrid usage” as it operates on the Miller cycle, offers a
high compression ratio of 12.5:1, and has a high-pressure direct injection
system operating at up to 350 bar. The engine also features a belt starter
generator to “guarantee fast and silent transitions when restarting.”
The engine is joined by a seven-speed
dual-clutch transmission, a regenerative braking system, and an electric motor
that develops 20 hp and 55 Nm of torque. While the
motor isn’t a powerhouse, it can propel the vehicles at low speeds such as
those found in stop-and-go traffic. The powertrain also has an e-boost
function, but the big news is that the e-Hybrids help to reduce fuel consumption
and CO2 emissions by up to 15%.
To highlight the new models, Jeep will be
launching an Upland special edition that features sustainable materials as well
as eco-friendly paints and finishes. In particular, they have an exclusive
Matter Azur exterior with a contrasting black roof and 17- or 18-inch alloy
wheels with a gloss black finish. They’re joined by MetaKrome bronze accents
and a hood decal.
Moving into the cabin, buyers will find
exclusive SEAQUAL seats made with plastic recovered from the Mediterranean.
They feature contrast stitching, an organic vinyl insert, and Jeep logos on the
backrests. The seats will be joined by MetaKrome bronze accents and materials
derived from recycled plastics. Besides the special edition, there will be
Longitude, Night Eagle, Limited, and S trims. The models will be offered in a
variety of markets besides the ones mentioned above, but there’s a big caveat
as they’ll come equipped with front-wheel drive.
