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Funky, fresh and functional, the Jeep Renegade looks to enter a segment dominated by cars like the Audi Q2 and the MINI Cooper Countryman.
As a result, we tend to think of crossovers as cars for the uncool. But that's all about to change with the introduction of modish models such as the Audi Q2, the Jeep Renegade and the MINI Cooper Countryman, of which the American-dreamed, Italian-built Renegade is the latest to join the lot.
I like the way you look
In terms of design, the Renegade seems to be a smaller rounded adaption of the iconic Wrangler. Depending on how big a fan you are of the latter, this could be a good or bad thing. To us, it's a great attempt by Jeep at remodelling a classic for broader mass-market appeal.
That's, however, not to say that the other two Europeans in this fight out aren't much of an eyeful because the Q2's hawkish demeanour will definitely appeal to sporty city types, while the Countryman's meaty proportions accord it a great deal of unmistakable road presence.


I like the way you move
Looks aside, it is in the way they drive that really sets these three cars apart, and this is where the Q2 and Countryman outshine the Renegade.
Compared to the aforementioned Wrangler, the Renegade is a big step forward in terms of driving refinement for the brand.
Wound up above 3,000rpm, its turbocharged 1.4-litre powerplant provides decent performance and is pretty refined, but loses out significantly to the levels offered by both Audi and MINI.


Also powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine, the Q2 is the peppiest of the lot, and the quickest in a straight line. Its seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, too, is smoother and more decisive than the Renegade's six-speeder. The Q2's powertrain pairing is the most impressive here.
The Countryman may be disadvantaged due to its three-cylinder heart, but it still feels punchy, responsive and lighter on its feet than the Renegade. Being the only car in this group test without a dual-clutch doesn't lose it any points either, because its six-speed automatic is as quick-shifting as it is creamy.


At the same time, it scores points for being the most engaging car to drive, providing the best steering weight and feel of the three, inspiring confidence during enthusiastic driving stints.

Price
: -
Engine Type
:
4-cylinder in-line 16-valve Turbocharged
Engine Cap
:
1395cc
Horsepower
:
110kW (148 bhp) / 6000 rpm
Torque
:
250 Nm / 3500 rpm
Transmission
:
7-speed (A) S tronic
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
:
8.5sec
Top Speed
:
212km/h
Fuel consumption
:
18.9km/L
Price
: -
Engine Type
:
4-cylinder in-line 16-valve SOHC Turbocharged
Engine Cap
:
1368cc
Horsepower
:
103kW (138 bhp) / 5500 rpm
Torque
:
230 Nm / 1750 rpm
Transmission
:
6-speed (A)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
:
-
Top Speed
:
181km/h
Fuel consumption
:
16.9km/L

Price
: -
Engine Type
:
3-cylinder in-line 12-valve
Engine Cap
:
1499cc
Horsepower
:
100kW (134 bhp) / 6000 rpm
Torque
:
220 Nm / 4300 rpm
Transmission
:
6-speed (A) Steptronic
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
:
9.6sec
Top Speed
:
200km/h
Fuel consumption
:
16.7km/L