One cylinder less - that's how the Jeep Renegade T-GDI drives in the test

The Jeep Renegade is also available in the economy version with three cylinders. We tested it in everyday life.

• Is the Renegade with the three-cylinder still a whole guy?
• How to drive a fast with such an economy engine.
• We only experienced a real surprise when it came to fuel consumption.

What do Jon Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, Rocky Graciano, Madonna and Leonardo DiCaprio have in common? They are so-called Italo-Americans. The best of two worlds and extremely successful. The Jeep Renegade has the same DNA. This is where shirt-sleeved US car architecture meets Italian chic. Introduced in early 2014, there is the "renegade", which means the name, also with a three-cylinder. Jeep * and three-cylinder - how is that supposed to work?

Crunchy, beefy, male - that's how the Jeep Renegade looks from the front.

© Bögel

Jeep Renegade: It does this with just three cylinders

What kind of machine is that? The battery is almost bigger than the whole unit. When you look into the engine compartment of the Jeep Renegade, you don't see a proper six or even eight cylinder. No, the 1.0 T-GDI only has three combustion chambers. But with the help of the turbocharger, you blow out at least 120 hp  . Of course you can't win a race with it, 11.2 seconds is the time the 1.3-tonner needs from 0 to 100.

The Renegade also has an edge in the interior design. Nevertheless, the look remains elegant.

© Jeep

The torque is 190 Nm - and if it weren't for the turbocharger , which was quite slow in the lower speed ranges , the Renegade could be even more fun in everyday use. From 1,750 revs, the maximum torque of 190 Nm is effective, from there the sleepy compact SUV becomes an agile guy. If you are lazy to switch and think you could drive the Renegade like a diesel, you will experience its blue miracle. So always keep an eye on the speed, everything under 1,500 rpm feels like you have fallen asleep.

The rear lights with the distinctive X immediately identify the Jeep Renegade.

© Jeep

Jeep Renegade: the advantages and disadvantages of the three-cylinder engine

But something else bothers the engine: the typical sound of a three-cylinder . It is reminiscent of the first used cars that we could afford when we were 18. Occasionally a cylinder failed and that's exactly what the turbo gasoline sounds like. It nails out of the engine compartment - three pots complain because the fourth refuses to work. Nevertheless, three-cylinder have their strengths . They cost less to manufacture and should also be economical  when it comes to fuel  . We don't know what it was - but our average consumption was an impressive 9.6 liters. According to the manufacturer, it should actually be four liters less. But maybe it was because of the many corona-related short trips to the bakery, butcher and drug store.

The leather seats are already included in the Limited trim level. Comfortable but spongy on long trips.

© Jeep

Jeep is a cult car

If you buy such a jeep, you don't necessarily do it because of the engine. The image already plays a role here . After all, Jeep has a long and glorious past. The name was once synonymous with an entire vehicle category . Back then, the G-Class was not called the G-Class, but said: "This is the Mercedes Jeep". And the Land Cruiser was just the Toyota Jeep. The all-terrain vehicle once made his big career in the US military. The Willys was a legend - and if you look closely, you will see its silhouette even on the windscreen of the Renegade. As a stylistic tribute to an icon.

Beefy but with googly eyes - the Jeep Renegade has a special charm.

© Jeep

It is not a coincidence. Because apart from the no less legendary Wrangler, no other member of the family embodies the virtues of the original jeep  like the Renegade. The box-shaped structure, the beefy fenders, the steep front window, the unobstructed view over the mighty bonnet. That is pure Jeep DNA. Combined with a cheeky shirt-sleeved design, you get a real buddy. With corners and edges - and a faithful view from the round headlights. One that doesn't have to go off-road  now , because the 1.0 T-GDI is only offered as a front-wheel drive  . Which is why there are no specialized driving programs. If you want to be an off-road king, you have to resort to the larger engines. Then they have all-wheel drive. And with the Trailhawk version, the Fiat-Chrysler group FCA even brings up a real terrain expert.

The large panoramic sunroof costs 1,290 euros, but you should treat yourself.

© Jeep

Jeep Renegade: the jeep for the city

But for everyday life in the urban jungle, the Renegade 1.0 T-GDI is a comfortable companion, tidy place offers. For sitting anyway, thanks to the box construction  you have an almost luxurious feeling of space. The small compact SUV is also big when it comes to charging. When the back seat is folded, fit in the trunk  , just under 1,300 liters . Praise also for the adjustable loading floor . Indispensable for shopping - whether at the weekend in a supermarket or if you just wanted to buy a few small things in the furniture store, but then there were still many special offers on the shelves.

Square, practical, good - up to 1300 liters fit in the trunk.

© Bögel

Operation of the on-board computer of the Jeep Renegade is easy

As far as the operation is concerned, the Renegade is also a handler. Thank God there are still buttons and controls , such as for the air conditioning. You don't have to type around on the touchscreen for a long time , you just turn up the heating or the fan. And the volume is also turned and not wiped . But that does not mean that the Renegade is not digitally up to date. The menu of the screen, which is centrally integrated into the dashboard ,  is simple and can be used immediately. And the cell phone is also quickly and easily connected to the on-board computer via UConnect  . Here too, attention has been paid to suitability for practical use. The vehicle wizard  there is pretty much all it has to offer the Fiat group. Speaking of Fiat: You would never have suspected that the architecture of the Fiat 500 L was under the sheet metal cladding.

Striking, but not bulky. The Renegade also scores points for the interior design.

© Jeep

Our conclusion about the Jeep Renegade

The Jeep-Renegade  is a real Italian-American. Sometimes robust, as a Texas bull breeder would like it to be, but so elegant that it would also serve as a service car for a Milan fashion designer. That with the three cylinders  is not necessarily a well-rounded affair. It's like writing Jeep with just an "e". However, if you place more value on lifestyle and practicality  , the three-cylinder is a real option.

Also read: Buy used cars on the Internet: How to recognize fake advertisements.

Datasheet Jeep Renegade Limitded 1,0 T-GDI 4x2

Also interesting: Also critical on private property: where can you wash your car yourself?

Rudolf Bögel

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* tz.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editors network.