Photo: Jeep
Jeep is an American symbol for freedom, but the new Renegade is built closer to Britain than you think. Fiat takes care of fabrication at the same factory that makes the 500X. But the big question of today is: will it work as a police vehicle on the narrow roads of the UK?
To answer that question, the Wiltshire Police department has decided to test the baby Jeep and even gave it the famous blue and yellow stripes. The scheme is part of a new partnership between Jeep’s Swindon-based dealership, T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre, and the local law enforcement unit.
You only have to spend a couple of minutes on Europe's roads to realize that small crossovers are big business - Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka. But so far, police services have shied away, preferring larger estates like the Astra, Passat or Golf.
Following a 6-month test period, the Wiltshire Police is committed to buying the Jeep Renegade, which has been equipped with everything it needs to go on patrols, including lights and sirens.
“We’re delighted to add the Jeep Renegade to our fleet of vehicles,” says Andrew Carr, Hub Superintendent, Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon. “It is the first Jeep we’ve used as a marked vehicle and we’re looking forward to the start of what we are confident will be a rewarding relationship between Wiltshire Police and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre.”
Under the bonnet of this white crossover is the 1.6-liter diesel engine rated at 120 PS and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. With a 6-speed manual, it accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 111 mpg (178 km/h). However, the same model can also be ordered with a more powerful 2-liter diesel rated at 140 or 170 horsepower.
You only have to spend a couple of minutes on Europe's roads to realize that small crossovers are big business - Renault Captur, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka. But so far, police services have shied away, preferring larger estates like the Astra, Passat or Golf.
Following a 6-month test period, the Wiltshire Police is committed to buying the Jeep Renegade, which has been equipped with everything it needs to go on patrols, including lights and sirens.
“We’re delighted to add the Jeep Renegade to our fleet of vehicles,” says Andrew Carr, Hub Superintendent, Gable Cross Police Station, Swindon. “It is the first Jeep we’ve used as a marked vehicle and we’re looking forward to the start of what we are confident will be a rewarding relationship between Wiltshire Police and T H White Fiat Group Brand Centre.”
Under the bonnet of this white crossover is the 1.6-liter diesel engine rated at 120 PS and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. With a 6-speed manual, it accelerates the car from 0 to 60 mph in 10.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 111 mpg (178 km/h). However, the same model can also be ordered with a more powerful 2-liter diesel rated at 140 or 170 horsepower.
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