Jeep has already expanded its range upwards with the Hulking Grand Wagner L, now it is preparing to expand downwards.
The Baby Jeep is expected to make its debut in 2023 and will be smaller than the Renegade.
Under the skin, the still unnamed new model will probably be built to reduce the cost of Peugeot Citroen underpinnings (EMP dubbed) and open up the range of engines on offer.
Current EMP models have a pure-electric variant that uses a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a front-mounted 100kW electric motor and offers approximately 321km of electric range, providing a guide to what to expect from a Baby Jeep.
The platform also supports petrol, diesel and hybrid power, which suggests that the smaller jeep will deliver a variety of powertrains.
The still unnamed model will not only be the first full-electric Jeep, but also the first product of the former Fiat Chrysler group based on a platform of Peugeot-Citroen. The two groups merged in early 2021 to form Stellantis.
In contrast to the larger Jeep range, which targets markets such as the USA and the first Australia, the smaller model will focus on cashing in on European markets with compact dimensions and more efficient engines.
It is expected to be made at the same plant as the upcoming Alfa Romeo Brennaro in Poland.
Outside, it packs straight lines and – we hope – a classic seven-slot zip grill. The tail light shares something with the Renegades.
Renegade never set a sales chart in Australia, and retired from the range in 2020.
Jeep blames weak Australian dollar; The fact that it was launched by Ford EcoSport a year ago also played a role.