Militem is an Italian coachbuilder that specializes
in extensively modifying Jeep and Ram models. The Como-based company offers
exterior and interior overhauls, as well as mechanical upgrades, all tailored
to the customer’s preferences.
Their latest product definitely caught our eye
because it completely transforms Jeep’s smallest model, the Renegade, into
something bold, luxurious and very far removed from its roots. Marketed as the Militem Hero, the
souped-up SUV features a muscular exterior design courtesy of a higher ride
height, beefier wheel arch extensions, a new grille and Militem logo at the
front, as well as more aggressive bumpers.
Thanks to the massive 20-inch “Black Edition”
Militem alloys shod with knobby tires and a suspension lift kit, the Hero rides 38 mm higher than the stock Renegade. Despite that, Militem says the
vehicle was not designed solely for off-road use, though it’s really capable
off the beaten track given the standard AWD and improved approach, departure
and breakover angles. Instead, the company describes the Hero as being built
“for everyday use in urban areas.”
That becomes apparent when climbing aboard the Hero:
fine leather is used everywhere, including the seats, dashboard, door panels –
even the trunk. According to Militem, the plastics are removed from sight
almost completely, though we can still spot some of them. The interiors are
built to each customer’s exact specification,s so a variety of colors, leather
types and other materials are available.
Militem also improves the performance of the
Renegade courtesy of some chip tuning for both the 1.3-liter turbocharged
gasoline four and the 2.0-liter MultiJet II turbo diesel. The former delivers
200 PS, while the latter makes 190 PS, an increase of 20 HP
compared to the stock models.
