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THE Jeep brand (part of Stellantis) officially left Malaysia in 2018. This was due to the low volume of sales and the lack of new interesting models to keep tickling the Malaysian interest in the brand. Let's not forget its ageing drivetrains which gulped fuel and high running maintenance costs.
Then, in early 2020 Jeep re-emerged in Malaysia with a used car importer looking at revitalising the brand in Malaysia. A few models were imported in and with a limited warranty and after-sales, its re-emergence in Malaysia has been little noticed.
The same models were re-introduced. No new generation Jeeps were brought in to excite Malaysian buyers (only left-hand drive were available for new models at the time).
Now comes news that Jeep has a new range of powertrains that cater to our Malaysian tax system. And right-hand drive versions should be ready for import very soon. The evolution of the Jeep brand has now been taken into the world of electrification.
Yes, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models with small capacity petrol engines are now powering some Jeep models.
Eco-friendly technology
Electrification will take the Jeep brand into the future, as it strives to become the leader in eco-friendly premium technology. This commitment starts from Italy and Europe, where the Renegade and Compass plug-in hybrid models featuring Jeep 4xe technology are built.
Courtesy of the plug-in hybrid technology, the new 4xe models offer the best performance and driving dynamics of any Jeep Renegade and Compass ever. They are literally capable of ’going anywhere and doing anything’, to quote the brand’s well-known claim.
They also feature legendary 4x4 capability improved in almost 80 years of history.
At the same time, they are ideal cars for everyday driving in the city, thanks to the plug-in hybrid electric technology. In full-electric mode, it allows drivers to travel with zero emissions and an average range of 50 km where possible.
On longer drives, with the compact petrol engine, CO2 emissions are less than 50 gr/km in hybrid mode. For extended off-road driving, the two electric motors featuring Powerloop ensure that eAWD traction is always available to take on extreme adventures with little worry.
Electric-powered Jeep vehicles will be the most efficient and eco-responsible Jeep models and will embody a modern vision of capability. This provides the perfect balance between efficiency, driving fun, safety and respect of the environment.
Power and performance
Both Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe pair a new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor located between the rear axle. It is powered by an 11.4 kWh battery that can be recharged while driving or through an external power outlet.
This can be done either at home with the domestic plug, using the efficient and practical easyWallbox or the more advanced Connected Wallbox, or from a public charge point.
On its own, the efficient 1.3-litre turbo engine delivers a power output of 130 hp or 180 hp, plus the 60 hp produced by the electric motor, adding up to a total of 190 hp (Limited version) or 240 hp (Trailhawk and S).
In terms of torque, the electric motor produces 250 Nm, while the combustion engine delivers 270 Nm.
The combination of an internal combustion engine and the electric units guarantees performance and maximum driving pleasure: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 130 km/h in fully electric and up to 200 km/h in hybrid mode.
Let’s wait and see if this private importer will have this new generation fuel-sipping Jeep’s in their showrooms soon. Or will the Stellantis Group decide to open for business in Malaysia and re-ignite the Jeep brand. – The Vibes, January 28, 2021
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