Last week we showed you some spy shots of the upcoming 2019 Jeep Renegade, which looked to be a Limited model. Those pictures showcased the upcoming front fascia, as well as set of LED head lamps that look almost identical to the optional LED head lamps found on the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. This time Real Fast Fotography got a good look at another set of 2019 Renegades, this time they were the high-volume Latitude models.
While the wheels and tires look the same on these pictures as the current 2018 Renegade Latitude, it does carry the upcoming front fascia which was heavily influenced by the 2018 Jeep Renegade B-UTE Concept. Again, fog lights are moved inward and to the lower part of the front fascia. The seven slot grille gets shorter and wider. These Latitude models are carrying Halogen head lamps, instead of the LED lamps we seen on the upper level Limited model. This leads us to think that the headlights will probably be optional on higher trim models like Limited and Trailhawk.
Real Fast Fotography, also happened to get a good shot of the gas cap which has a sticker saying “Premium Unleaded”. This leads us to think of a new turbocharged model or maybe the return of the 1.4-liter Turbo. Many people on the interwebs have been speculating that the Renegade might be getting the 2.0-liter eTorque system from the Wrangler. However, our sources say packaging in the Renegade’s FCA Small US Wide 4×4 platform (which is shared with Jeep Compass) would limit that from being done. But again, spy shots have shown that FCA US looks to be working on an electrified Renegade.
The biggest thing to catch our eyes is the manufacturer stickers that adorn each pre-production model that the manufacturer produces. The Renegade is manufactured in three locations across the globe. Each plant produces a vehicle with a specific platform code pending on the region. Renegades made in Guangzhou, China carry BQ, Goiana, Brazil models have B1 and Melfi, Italy carry two codes, BU for North America and 550 for Europe. However, the stickers on these mules indicate “BV” as the platform name.
Now FCA US has updated suspension components on other vehicles in the past during a mid-life refresh and changed the platform code. One of the most recognized being the 2015 Dodge Challenger which got a new floor pan and upgraded suspension to switch from platform code LC to LA.
“Editors Note: Since last night our MoparInsider sources have reached out to us to say that the platform code will remain “BU” for the North American market. The “BV” is considered just the project ID associated with the refresh”
