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Jeep Considers Building Smaller SUV Than Renegade

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2016 Jeep® Renegade 75th Anniversary edition

Jeep is considering introducing a vehicle that is smaller than the Renegade (pictured above)

The success of the Jeep Renegade around the world has come as a bit of surprise for some. This small SUV with its funky style doesn’t exactly scream “JEEP!” like other models in the American carmaker’s lineup do, but its compact size, affordable price tag, and Jeep capability have quickly made it a go-to choice for those consumers looking to break into the brand’s following.

Now, it looks like Jeep wants to play off the popularity of the Renegade. In a recent discussion with Autocar at the ongoing Paris Motor Show, Mike Manley—Jeep’s head honcho—stated that a smaller SUV than the popular Renegade could become a viable model option. He said, “I’m pretty confident that it is going to be a viable segment for us in the future.”

Manley went on to explain that a smaller SUV wasn’t set in stone just yet. He stated, “The reality is that we have to go through all the usual business planning processes first.” Manley went on to acknowledge that it would definitely have Jeep’s off-road capability, but providing said capability would be one of the more difficult aspects of developing this small vehicle.

“When you think of some of the elements that make a vehicle capable, such as ground clearance, the geography of the vehicle makes it more difficult,” he continued. “You have to be very careful in terms of the geometry of the vehicle, plus the kind of four-wheel-drive system that you employ.

If this small Jeep does come to fruition, it would compete with the likes of the Nissan Juke and Ford Ecosport. We don’t know about you, but we definitely would love to see what Jeep creates if they decide to enter this compact segment.

News Source: Autocar