Alfa Romeo will receive their own version of the tiny crossover.
Jeep first announced the launch of a new entry-level model in 2006, just six years after it launched the Renegade. The pint-sized crossover appears to be finally here as Automotive News Europe reports that production will begin in July 2022 at Tychy’s factory in Poland. Although there is still much to do, if the SOP date is correct, an official reveal should be made several months prior.
The Renegade will ride on the Small Wide 4×4 platform, which was developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. However, its younger brother will be using underpinnings designed by former PSA Peugeot Citroen. The unnamed Jeep model will use engines from PSA and be built on the Compact Modular Platform.
A proper Jeep would not be complete without a four-wheel drive system. The newcomer will have an engine that drives the front wheels and an electric back axle. This hardware can be adapted to future models of Peugeot or DS vehicles. It has been used in a number of Peugeot models.
The baby Jeep will also be electrified and will have a pure electric version. Although the report doesn’t give any details on the vehicle’s dimensions, logic suggests that it will be smaller and lighter than the Renegade (166.6 inches (4.230 millimeters), 71.1 in (1.810 mm), and 66.5 in (6,690mm), with a wheelbase of 101.2 in (2.570 mm).
Alfa Romeo and Fiat have their own versions of this diminutive crossover. However, these will arrive slightly later. ANE reports that Alfa Romeo’s version – possibly called Brennero- will go into production in January 2023, while the Fiat is expected to be in production by July 2023. The two models will be made in Poland, where the Fiat 500 (and Lancia Ypsilon) are manufactured by the newly formed Stellantis.
The Alfa Romeo Brennero, which will be below the Tonale compact crossover, while the Fiat will slot under the 500X. Stellantis will be able to use the CMP architecture across several small cars and add three more (made at the same facility) to make economies of scale.
It is not clear whether these models will be made available in the United States, where customers prefer larger vehicles. The trio’s primary targets are Europe and emerging markets. They offer buyers a lower cost way to drive a Jeep, Alfa Romeo or Fiat crossover.