The off-road giant wants to clean its act up in parts of the EU.
Jeep will be making the switch to an electrified-only strategy in sections of Europe. This decision is being made to anticipate the upcoming strict emission regulations and to cater to the rising interests being shown in its hybrid options, throughout the market. A new entry-level hybrid Compass and Renegade option will commemorate this decision when they arrive on dealership floors in select countries by the end of this quarter.
Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Nordics, and Portugal will be the first countries to adopt these models and will be met by the existing PHEV 4xe versions, including the Wrangler, which have already seen notable success in the region. France, in particular, celebrated a 50% sales preference for these eco-friendly products in 2021. Mopar's announcement of its new wall-chargers really couldn't have come at a better time.
Both of the new hybrid options will feature the company's 130-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that is supported by a 48-volt 20-hp electric motor. Power is transmitted to the front wheels only via an updated seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The cars' EV capabilities consist of an electrified intervention that initiates when you launch from a standing start. Once it reaches an appropriate speed, the combustion engine takes over. At low, creeping speeds, the small motor is also able to provide drive to reduce strain on the engine. Stop-and-go traffic jams, as well as parking maneuvers, are included in the list of electric abilities, too. This system is just a small step forward until the brand releases a fully electric product, which we may not see anytime soon.
To celebrate the announcement, Jeep will also be introducing Upland special editions for both models. These will be available in 4xe-guise only and offer a unique design that makes use of eco-friendly components. The Matter Azur paint, paired with a black roof, is sustainable and contrasted by a set of 17-inch wheels for the Renegade and 18-inch for the Compass.
Within the cabin, these special models will make use of sustainable materials for the headliner and floor mats. The highlight of the upholstery is the SEQUAL seat material formed with recycled plastic that has been harvested from polluted oceans. A Jeep logo using organic vinyl has been applied to the front headrests as a finishing touch. Pricing has not yet been released.
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