Set to start deliveries mid-February, the new Renegade is the first model in the brand's history to be built in Italy and the first vehicle from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to be jointly developed by Italian and American designers and engineers.

As well as bringing keen pricing, the new model is said to offer best-in-class interior roominess, excellent on-road driving dynamics and supreme off-road capabilities along with a Euro NCAP five-star safety rating.

In the UK, the new Jeep will be available in a full-range comprising four different trim levels – Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk – equipped with efficient turbo-diesel and petrol engines and a first-in-segment nine-speed automatic transmission.

The model is also available in four-wheel drive or front-wheel drive configurations, with the former switching seamlessly between two- and four-wheel-drive for reduced energy loss when 4×4 capability isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency in the process.

Design features bring trademark Jeep elements such as round headlamps, signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. Two open-air roof systems will be available to provide customers with open-air freedom: a large electric sliding glass roof or the unique-to-segment “My Sky”, which brings two panels that can be removed and stowed in the boot.

The interior features a modern, refined look, in line with the brand's DNA. Standard equipment in the entry-level Sport includes air conditioning, DAB radio with touchscreen and Bluetooth, electric parking brake, 16-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring, and remote central locking. Longitude adds features including 17-inch aluminium wheels, six-speaker audio system, roof rails, body coloured door mirrors and handles, cruise control, and front fog lamps.

A special “Opening Edition” version, limited to 200 units will also be available at launch in Alpine White or Omaha Orange, both incorporating a black painted roof and with a unique interior and 18-inch wheels as well as chromed exhaust tip, Forward Collision Mitigation, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, privacy glass and rear parking sensors.

Prices start at £16,995 OTR for the front-wheel drive 1.6-litre eTorq Evo 110hp Sport, with the flagship 2.0-litre MJet 170hp 4WD Auto Low Trailhawk version costing £27,995 OTR, and bringing 17-inch aluminium wheels, dual zone climate control, transfer case, front suspension and fuel tank skid plates, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and rear parking sensors.