Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary: more than just a special edition?

Marking 80 years of existence, Jeep chose to “dress up” several models with an 80th Anniversary special series, and the Jeep Renegade was among the recipients.

With a more distinctive look and the ever-tempting “badge” of a special edition (albeit not a numbered one), does the Renegade 80th Anniversary offer anything beyond “decoration”?

To find out whether this version brings genuine added value for anyone choosing it, we tested the Renegade 80th Anniversary in what is, for now, its most powerful form: the 1.3-litre turbo petrol with 150 hp.

What do you gain?

First of all, the Renegade 80th Anniversary aims to deliver extra exclusivity and stand out a little more in car parks where (to Jeep’s benefit) the Renegade is a familiar sight.

To achieve that, it comes with several dedicated logos, joined by low-gloss Granite Crystal Grey accents; fabric seats with a diamond pattern; gloss black interior trim details; specific alloy wheels; tinted rear windows; the exterior Full LED pack; and the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen.

There is more. As you would expect from an anniversary special, it arrives with a (very) comprehensive standard equipment list, including systems such as effective adaptive cruise control and lane-departure and forward-collision warnings.

In fact, to give you an idea, the test car had only three optional extras: metallic paint, the panoramic opening sunroof, and a pack that adds automatic parking, blind-spot assistance, and the genuinely useful rear parking camera.

True to itself

While those are the key differences between the Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary and other Renegade versions, in every other respect it remains the B-SUV we already know.

Inside, the familiar strengths are still present: sensible ergonomics (with plenty of physical controls) and an overall sturdy feel. Even so, the standout impression is the sense of room on board.

It’s true that the 351 litres of boot capacity isn’t class-leading, and a tape measure confirms that occupant space is only around the segment average. However, the body’s “square” shapes help create an airy, open feel inside the smallest Jeep in today’s line-up.

From behind the wheel, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol with 150 hp continues to make a stronger case than its 1.0-litre turbo 120 hp sibling, though it still isn’t a benchmark for the class. Paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it prefers “Sport” mode if you want it to show its best.

The one drawback is that, once selected, fuel consumption tends to rise - from 6.5–7.0 l/100 km in relaxed driving to figures around 8.0 l/100 km - regardless of the “theatre of operations”, whether that’s the more typical urban jungle or the motorway.

Finally, in terms of handling, it remains a sound and predictable model that, despite its notable ride height, does a good job of “defying” the laws of physics and delivers a well-judged balance between comfort and composure.

Is it the right car for you?

Special editions like this 80th Anniversary are, in most cases, attractive propositions for buyers. That’s because they usually add to the standard specification without pushing the final price up excessively.

That is exactly what happens with this Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary which, at around 32 000 euros, offers a generous equipment list while continuing to build on the success story of a brand that was born 80 years ago.

On top of the already recognised qualities of the Jeep Renegade, this version adds a stronger “aura” of exclusivity without becoming overly flashy - something that can otherwise put off potential customers for these editions.

Note: at the time this article was published, a 3750 euro promotion was in place, allowing you to buy a Jeep Renegade 80th Anniversary in the tested specification for 32 671 euros.

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