Jeep Points a Gun at Jimny with new Renegade ‘Junior’

MANILA: After being known for its premium Off-roaders and SUVs, the Fiat Chrysler owned American brand Jeep is preparing its entry-level competitor labeled as the Jeep Renegade Junior that will underpin the platform of a hatchback. This move will not only bring more buyers to the brand but will possibly threaten the luxury hatchback segment, as the Junior’s starting price might sit dangerously close to the aforementioned segment.

According to the latest reveal by the manufacturer, the new A-Segment Jeep will be built on the same platform as the Fiat Punto and will be around the same size as the Jeep Wrangler. Nevertheless, the luxury quotient has been carried on from Junior’s larger sized sibling and will certainly look and drive great both on and off-road. The new Jeep Junior poses a serious threat to the new Suzuki Jimny, that has recently attracted a lot of buyer attention due to its wonderful amalgamation of raw power with cuteness. The market experts however, suggest that the compact-offroader segment might also crush the sales prospects for mid-sized hatchbacks with larger dimensions and better technology, at a slightly higher price tag. The powertrain on Junior might also be offered with two choices of gasoline engines, which might be a 1.3-litre and a 1.8-litre mill.

Like how the midsize sedan market was overtaken by the Hatchback segment, things have certainly come full circle with Jeep Renegade Junior’s entry in the market. Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, where large sized affordable vehicles see a lot of demand in the market can be especially great for such vehicles. While Suzuki Motors have already set their plans in action with the Jimny, Jeep’s new entrant in the A-segment SUV market will certainly test the Japanese valor in their final showdown.

Also Read: Jeep Wrangler Pickup Given Green Signal For Its Entry in 2017