Following its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show last month, the 2015 Jeep Renegade made its first U.S. public outing at the New York Auto Show today. If you’re wondering what’s with the title (does “ItAlien” sound better?), it’s because the Renegade will be the first Jeep built exclusively outside the U.S., at Fiat’s Melfi plant in Italy.

The brand’s first small SUV promises best-in-class off-road capability thanks to two all-new 4×4 systems, the Jeep Active Drive full-time 4×4 and the Jeep Active Drive Low full-time 4×4 with 20:1 crawl ratio.

The Renegade also features the segment’s first disconnecting rear axle and power take-off unit (PTU) to help lower fuel consumption, with the Jeep Active Drive and Active Drive Low 4×4 systems instantly engaging when 4×4 traction is needed.

Both 4×4 systems include the Jeep Selec-Terrain system with up to five modes (Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud modes, plus exclusive Rock mode on the Trailhawk model). The latter has an increased ride height 0.8 inches (20mm) to 8.7 inches (221mm) and is also fitted as standard with the Jeep Active Drive Low with 20:1 crawl ratio, skid plates, signature red front and rear tow hooks, unique fascias delivering 30.5 degree approach, 25.7 degree breakover and 34.3 degree departure angles, Hill Descent Control and more.

In the U.S., the Renegade will be offered with two MultiAir gasoline engines, a 1.4-liter turbo delivering 160 hp and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque and a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated Tigershark engine producing 184 hp and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. The former is paired as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a segment-first nine-speed auto being offered as standard with the 2.4-liter engine.

Jeep says both engines return more than 30 mpg highway (7.8 l/100 km), with an Eco Mode being also available. No pricing details are available yet.

By Dan Mihalascu

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