The Car of the Year title is the latest in a growing list of awards gathered in a matter of months since the launch of the new small Jeep, including:
- Spanish Best Small SUV 2015
- Kelly Blue Book’s Coolest Cars under US$18,000
- Ward’s 10 best Interiors of 2015
- AAA Arizona Top Vehicle Picks of 2015
- French 4×4 of the Year
- New Car of the Year 2015 in Italy by Quattroruote
Since its Brazilian launch in April, the Jeep Renegade has set itself apart within the segment in this important market. In July it earned the title of the safest Brazilian-made vehicle for adults and children as evaluated by the independent Latin NCAP program in crash tests, achieving the highest five-star rating. The Renegade is the leader in sales within the SUV segment in Brazil and became one of the top 10 best-selling vehicles in the market in the months of September and October.
“We are honoured to receive this important recognition,” said Mike Manley, head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “The Jeep Renegade is made in Brazil for Brazil. This is the right vehicle, at the right time, to help drive the expansion of the Jeep brand in Brazil and across Latin America.”
A total of 20 renowned journalists from various outlets and regions across the country served as jurors for the annual Autoesporte magazine Car of Year Awards.
In the USA, the Jeep Renegade has made its debut on the “10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list.
Kelley Blue Book’s editors said of the Jeep Renegade: “We all know that the Jeep brand has a cool factor that distances it from most auto brands out there, and the new Jeep Renegade takes that and runs with it. Not only does it deliver a buffet of desirable Jeep attributes – unmistakable design, superior off-road credentials and intrinsic grittiness – but it delivers this in a package that is also sensible for everyday commuting. Renegade owners won’t scale a mountain every day… but they could.”
Wards, meanwhile, awarded the Jeep Renegade for its interior, which features a rugged and energetic appearance that builds upon the Jeep brand’s legendary heritage. It’s precisely crafted details, innovative and high-quality colour and material appointments, state-of-the-art technology, and clever storage features draw inspiration from contemporary extreme sports gear and lifestyles.
“The Jeep Renegade lives up to its name by bringing a rebellious new style to the overcrowded small SUV segment,” said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief of WardsAuto World magazine.
“The interior checks off all our boxes in terms of being roomy, comfortable and having excellent ergonomics — even the voice-activation system works flawlessly. But, the attention given to interior details and design is truly spectacular for a vehicle in this class. Whimsical design elements, bold, contrasting colours and stunning metallic bronze trim convey a sense of fun and adventure that sets it apart. The Renegade isn’t a ’cute ute,’ it’s the Cherokee’s badass little brother.”
With its iconic American landscape, Arizona is a natural home for the Jeep Renegade and the state’s brand of the American Automobile Association (AAA) picked the Renegade as Top Pick for a Cool Car.
“It has personality, character, and most importantly, it is iconic Jeep in spades,” said Jim Prueter, AAA Arizona automotive journalist and judge. “Its appearance suggests a cartoonish ruggedness and its Trail Rated creds confirm its off-road capability. There’s no denying the little Renegade is a head turner.”
Across the Atlantic, France’s leading of road magazine, “4×4 Magazine” has named the Renegade its 4×4 of the Year 2015, while the leading Spanish web site Conches.net named the small Jeep ‘Best Small SUV 2015’ and Italy, the legendary motoring magazine Quattroruote has made the Renegade its New Car of the Year 2015.
