[v.b.]

500 L is on "Small (US) Wide" architecture.
500X and Renegade on "Small Wide 4x4" (or similar) – the latest off-road evolution of the "Small" family, that started with the Fiat Grande Punto.

But it is the same platform, different architecture.

V

 

[PCRMike]

In winter weather, there will be one day my babies have to make it home that will make the 4x4 capabilities worth springing for. This past week would have been it.

 

[JavelinAMX]

Yesterday, Saturday the 21st was the last day of 80F+ degrees. It will return to high 70's lower 80's after this storm passes.

I live near Phoenix, Arizona. My town is typically 3 to 4 degrees hotter than Phoenix on the typical day. But desert-living is its own gotcha; which rears its head in different ways and at different times.

Bless your ladies, Mike. Hope, if this is your decision, that it works like a charm for you - and them, of course - when you do ultimately commit to the Renegade.

 

[Stratuscaster]

Really!? That good huh?

I'd like to drive a non-Trailhawk before I make a final decision, but yes - the size is right, the space is right, the ergonomics are good, the visibility is good.

 

[Stratuscaster]

I looked fairly closely at a few in parking lots - no, I didn't try to get in And have seen them late at night in dealer lots on the way home from work a few years ago. What you've said is the impression I got from seeing them without test driving one. I was looking for a small commuter with some room before and looked at its predecessor, the Rondo. The Soul fit my idea better than the Rondo.

But I have also thought seriously about the Fiat 500L; which seems to have somewhat similar interior space.

I still keep my eye out on used Rondos - the space inside is pretty large. The Soul is also roomy for it's size in a PT Cruiser kind of way. The 500L is more Rondo than Soul - my only gripes on the 500L are the drivetrain. The 6-speed auto helps, but I'm not a fan of the premium-fueled 1.4L FIRE Turbo engine.

 

[Dave Z]

FCA could market themselves as "the safety company" by making advanced safety packages available on all trim models, on all vehicles, including base.

Safety has only rarely been a major selling point...

 

[JavelinAMX]

I still keep my eye out on used Rondos - the space inside is pretty large. The Soul is also roomy for it's size in a PT Cruiser kind of way. The 500L is more Rondo than Soul - my only gripes on the 500L are the drivetrain. The 6-speed auto helps, but I'm not a fan of the premium-fueled 1.4L FIRE Turbo engine.

Agreed. That does give pause ( or paws ... we'd like to take a mid-sized dog from time to time).

Not really in the same ballpark is the Wagon version of the ProMaster City. I acknowledge it is a half-step or a full step up from these others when space only is considered. Obviously, NOT a competitor with 500X/Renegade or the up coming Trail'ster-derived Soul, being sans AWD or 4WD. Closer to Taxi service in intent - but my weak argument hangs on the sole thread that it's from FCA.

 

[Stratuscaster]

I would be a liar if I said I was disappointed there wasn't a PMC Wagon to try on for size in Chicago. It's a valid option to consider.

 

[JavelinAMX]

I would be a liar if I said I was disappointed there wasn't a PMC Wagon to try on for size in Chicago. It's a valid option to consider.

I apologize ... I don't mean to detour the thread.

Last word : FCA is missing a piece of that puzzle by not having an SDE (FPT JTD or VM Motori 2.5L I4 Diesel) available - yet, I'm glad they gave consideration for that market space. GCaravan is too much for a guy like me. When the Caravan departed, leaving only the GCaravan, that left buyers like me wondering what else of 'my brand' will work in its place.

 

[md80891]

Safety has only rarely been a major selling point...

safety as a marketing tool is usually the kod

 

[RVC]

But it is the same platform, different architecture.

V

Same platform as in same architecture family, so in other words it's build starting from the same basic blocks as the Doblo, 500L Etc. The "4x4" variant has a reinforced floorpan and other mods relating to the adoption of the specific AWD driveline and new suspensions, so that it can go a step beyond the 500L "Trekking" (the raised version of the 500L with no AWD and just some traction aids).

Not contradicting you, just being more specific And yes, it could go down the same line as the 500L.

 

[JavelinAMX]

Same platform as in same architecture family, so in other words it's build starting from the same basic blocks as the Doblo, 500L Etc. The "4x4" variant has a reinforced floorpan and other mods relating to the adoption of the specific AWD driveline and new suspensions, so that it can go a step beyond the 500L "Trekking" (the raised version of the 500L with no AWD and just some traction aids).

Not contradicting you, just being more specific And yes, it could go down the same line as the 500L.

RVC, your explanation is more eloquent than the scattered details I recalled, but your explanation is close to what I remembered (I got a couple things all sideways, I must admit). So I wasn't quite as off my rocker as I previously supposed ...

Here's a question slightly askew of our topic - yet, still within the fringes :

Would it be beyond reason to apply the Trailhawk gear found on the Renegade to, say, a consumer-grade version of the ProMaster City? This, of course, would suppose the same strengthening work would also be applied to the PM City body and suspension (or call it a NAFTA Doblo, or a Dodge Dude or Jeep TrailDude, just to Americanize it - lol).

 

[tomaz]

Aye... Dodge Dude sounds nice.... Dude... I just brought that new Dodge Dude.... Dude no way!!!!... Dude.....yes way.

 

[RVC]

RVC, your explanation is more eloquent than the scattered details I recalled, but your explanation is close to what I remembered (I got a couple things all sideways, I must admit). So I wasn't quite as off my rocker as I previously supposed ...

Here's a question slightly askew of our topic - yet, still within the fringes :

Would it be beyond reason to apply the Trailhawk gear found on the Renegade to, say, a consumer-grade version of the ProMaster City? This, of course, would suppose the same strengthening work would also be applied to the PM City body and suspension (or call it a NAFTA Doblo, or a Dodge Dude or Jeep TrailDude, just to Americanize it - lol).

There's no technical reason why you couldn't, so the question is simply if it would be sold in enough numbers to justify the investment.

 

[Dave Z]

Would it be beyond reason to apply the Trailhawk gear found on the Renegade to, say, a consumer-grade version of the ProMaster City? This, of course, would suppose the same strengthening work would also be applied to the PM City body and suspension (or call it a NAFTA Doblo, or a Dodge Dude or Jeep TrailDude, just to Americanize it - lol).

You are talking about a complete body replacement.

 

[dakrt99]

This is my favorite Jeep outside the Wrangler. I love this "little" ute.

 

[JavelinAMX]

There's no technical reason why you couldn't, so the question is simply if it would be sold in enough numbers to justify the investment.

Thank you, RVC. The basis for the question was to find - for this layman here - what latitude FCA-Jeep has with that particular running gear. Both the Trailhawk Renegade and the PM City have the same FWD drive-train. The PM City with over 120-inch wheelbase is a zinger in the context I presented, though, admittedly.

Nevertheless, thanks again.

{ Doblo/Dude - both are 'D' words, so my late-night, blurry-eyed post tried to come up with something that had a root somewhere, that's the result; thus "TrailDude" ... please go easy on me, it doesn't take much to start a bruise }

 

[JavelinAMX]

You are talking about a complete body replacement.

Perhaps so, Dave. Then there's the suspension and tire size situation, too.

 

[90243]

Thank you, RVC. The basis for the question was to find - for this layman here - what latitude FCA-Jeep has with that particular running gear. Both the Trailhawk Renegade and the PM City have the same FWD drive-train. The PM City with over 120-inch wheelbase is a zinger in the context I presented, though, admittedly.

Nevertheless, thanks again.

{ Doblo/Dude - both are 'D' words, so my late-night, blurry-eyed post tried to come up with something that had a root somewhere, that's the result; thus "TrailDude" ... please go easy on me, it doesn't take much to start a bruise }

Standard Doblò wheelbase is shorter, 2755 mm = 108.4".

 

[Geronimojmg]

As someone who special ordered a Mustang convertible the night they were introduced back in the 1960s, and did the same for the Dodge Caravan even before their introduction, I am going to make a prediction. The Renegade will be a monster hit. I will wait until this summer, but it fits my need for a small SUV for running my invalid spouse around with a wheelchair and walker (with rear seats down), as opposed to our Town and Country (which I will keep for trips), and our RAM 1500 which she cannot get into. Our Buick will be dust! Great job FCA!