Could NZ Police turn Renegade?
A British police force has turned to Jeep's new Renegade to top-up its vehicle fleet.
It has been chosen by the Wiltshire Police because it is as accomplished off-road as it is in the tight urban spaces of Swindon, as well as having the best in class interior space to carry the essentials of Police life.
Fiat Chrysler New Zealand says the Renegade Trailhawk, has all the features and equipment to make it an ideal recruit for the New Zealand Police, replacing the traditional Holden Commodore, which is soon ceasing production in Australia.
"For a start it has a potent 2.4 litre 129 kW Tigershark engine that enables it to get to a 100 kmh in 8.4 seconds and to top 200 kmh – where the law permits, of course.
"At the same time a combined fuel consumption of 7.5 litres/100 km means it will, as a police car, save taxpayers’ money.
"The boot can take up to 1.3 cubic metres of traffic cones, rescue equipment, warning signs and other police paraphernalia. Compact exterior dimensions make it ideal for urban police use, but it is the Renegade’s sophisticated four wheel system and off road ability that truly sets it apart from mainstream police cars."
The New Zealand specification Jeep Renegade Trailhawk offers as standard 4x4 capability in all weather conditions. Its unique rear-axle disconnect system delivers 4x2 levels of fuel-efficiency, and instantly engages 4x4 when traction is needed.
Enabled by an innovative single speed power-transfer unit, Jeep Active Drive Low is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive, and at any speed. This system requires no driver intervention, delivers yaw correction during dynamic driving events and improves both understeer and oversteer.
The company says Jeep Active Drive Low can provide up to 200 Nm of the engine’s available torque to the rear wheels, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions.
Fiat Chrysler says with a recommended retail price of $49,990 excluding delivery and dealer costs, the Jeep Renegade was as affordable as it was capable.