Jeep, aka Willys-Overland, have been making, er, Jeeps since 1941. It’s impossible to forget that fact because ‘SINCE 1941’ is embossed into the dashboard just above the multimedia screen.

The Renegade, not to be confused with editions of either the CJ or Wrangler, has been in production for considerably less time, since 2014, in fact. It's a compact crossover that shares its platform with Fiat’s 500X. They're even built alongside each other at the Italian firm’s factory in Melfi, Italy. UK versions are all powered by Fiat engines.

That’s why my Longitude-trim test car arrived with Fiat’s 1.4-litre MultiAir II engine under the bonnet. It produces 140bhp and drives, wait for it, the front wheels.

That’s right, this particular Jeep, despite its rugged looks, isn’t the go anywhere, do anything, cope with everything machine that you might imagine.

It’s a nod to the fact that a large number of buyers in the compact crossover segment will rarely, if ever, venture off the tarmac.

While sending drive to just the front pair of wheels does reduce traction it also has its benefits. It reduces weight, because you don’t need a complex four-wheel-drive system and that, in turn, leads to improved fuel economy.

Jeep quotes 47.1mpg for the combined cycle. I managed just over 40 during the week I spent with the car, a figure that I thought not unreasonable given the relative size of vehicle and engine.

You’ll probably find yourself wishing for a few more cubic centimetres when you’re trying to make a quick getaway or looking for a little additional thrust on kickdown – it’s no slouch, hitting 62mph in a tenth under 11 seconds – but its protestations are evident from within the cabin.

The ride is firm and, though rarely uncomfortable, is hardly subtle in the way it deals with imperfections. While body movements are pronounced it’s not enough to throw the car off-line, even if you are pushing on.

The Renegade leans noticeably in corners but it’s well-controlled. Grip levels are adequate and, ably assisted by the nicely weighted electric power steering, will do a reasonable job of keeping you on the black stuff even if you do choose to press on.

The brakes have a nice feel, helping to avoid pitching untidily as you slow, but they’re not as powerful as you might expect nor, perhaps, would want.

Special pastel paints and Renegades don’t mix particularly well. While it’s a welcome antidote to the softer, easier-on-the-eye models that frequent this segment, I just don’t think it works in Sierra Blue. Or Colorado Red. Or Solar Yellow, for that matter. It’s a design that’s far better suited to darker colours that make it look less toy-like.

There’s a distinct lack of curves – even the wheel arches have been squared off – replaced instead by straight lines, sharp edges and flat surfaces. Given Jeep’s historic connections with the military, it would seem remiss not to give a little nod in that direction, hence the rear light clusters that are inspired by old US Army petrol cans.

The interior is a mixed bag. The quality of some of the materials is on the questionable side and, while equipment levels are generous, the infotainment system is a little underwhelming both aesthetically and practically.

That’s not to say the Renegade is not without charm. The speakers and seatbacks designs are inspired by the Wrangler grille while there’s a satisfying chunkiness to many of the controls and surfaces.

The seats are comfortable but there’s little in the way of lateral support. There’s ample adjustment in the steering column and seat to conjure up a decent driving position.

The infotainment system fitted to my car had a far-too-small five-inch screen and, while all the usual functions are all present and correct – Bluetooth handsfree calling and audio streaming, DAB radio and sat nav - it’s not as intuitive nor as sharp as those fitted to some of the Renegade’s rivals.

It does offer some app-based functionality but lacks integration with some of the more popular social media channels. Personally, I can only see that as a good thing. There are already too many things vying for our attention when we should be focused on the road.

There are also physical buttons to switch between the more commonly used features and there’s a dial to scroll through the onscreen interface if you shy away from touchscreens.

Equipment levels are generous and, as well as the aforementioned Uconnect infotainment system, you also get a six-speaker audio system, cruise control with speed limiter, air con and 17in alloy wheels.

Head and leg room is unlikely to draw many complaints – it could be a tad more generous in the back – while the boot is adequate rather than impressive. It opens wide and it’s a nice shape which at least makes it easy to use what space is available.

If you’re already a fan of Jeep, not just its motor cars but also its history, then you’ll love the Renegade. There’s a degree of old-school authenticity about it that should please enthusiasts.

It’s a pleasant enough car in its own right but dynamically there are better options out there. The four-wheel-drive versions offer greater off-road capabilities than those same rivals but the front-wheel-drive version tested here doesn’t have that ace up its wheel arches.

While it might fall short of the competition in terms of cabin quality, ride and refinement Jeep deserve credit for building a car that isn’t simply more of the same.

Jeep Renegade 1.4 MultiAir II Longitude

£20,895Price:

£22,140As tested:

1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrolEngine:

DDCT 6-speed automaticTransmission:

140bhpMax power:

170lbft @ 1,750rpmMax torque:

112mphMax speed:

10.9secAcceleration (0-62):

37.2mpgUrban:

554.4mpgExtra urban:

47.1mpgCombined:

140g/kmEmissions (CO2):

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