Winter has started well in Europe, with snow and polar temperatures making an appearance in many areas even in Greece. The harsh winter conditions are the ideal terrain for the SUVs of Jeep, and in particular for the new Plug-in Hybrid versions, 4xe, of the Renegade, Compass and Wrangler. Leading 4xe technology and Jeep's 80 years of experience in 4×4 vehicles ensure high levels of comfort and safety when driving on snow and ice, and combined with Jeep's advice and, of course, responsible driving, can make winter outings even more carefree.
The new 4xe system not only maintains off-road capabilities on a par with conventional 4×4 versions, but upgrades them further. The secret lies in the combination of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, which delivers more - and above all, with immediate and perfectly smooth delivery - torque, allowing the driver to have complete control of the vehicle's speed, especially in conditions where the vehicle has to move very slowly. The electrification, according to Jeep, alongside ultra-low emissions should also be compatible with the brand's "Go anywhere, Do anything" philosophy, with the 4xe supported by a range of innovative systems that improve handling in ultra-low traction conditions (snow, ice). In particular:
- On the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe, the Snow option allows you to maximise traction by applying the appropriate torque to each wheel, or braking each wheel if necessary, giving the driver maximum control of the car. Similarly on the Wrangler 4xe, the part-time 4H mode consistently distributes torque at a rate of 50%-50% to the front and rear axles to ensure that the axle/wheel with the most traction always has sufficient torque.
Jeep Tip: Both the Snow option on the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe and the part-time 4H option can be activated at any time by the driver, even when the vehicle is in motion. Regardless of the battery charge level, the 4xe system has sufficient power to ensure permanent 4×4 movement, allowing the relevant functions to be applied even if the driver suddenly becomes aware of snow or ice. In any case, when the outside temperature approaches zero degrees, the driver should drive with caution and be prepared to deal with icy conditions.
- All Jeep 4xe are equipped with Hill-Descent Control, which allows the vehicle to automatically maintain a consistently low speed while descending steeply sloping roads. The descent speed can be set as low as 1km/h with the system acting on the front and rear brakes to maintain speed and, more importantly, vehicle stability, making the driver's task much easier. In the case of the Wrangler 4xe, the system allows automatic speed stabilisation even on uphill or flat surfaces, essentially acting as an off-road cruise control system.
Jeep tip: As with off-road driving, driving on snow and ice requires the driver to reduce speed and especially to use the controls (steering wheel, accelerator, brakes) gently. Any sudden movement can contribute to loss of traction and consequently loss of control of the car.
- The limited-slip rear differential fitted to all Wrangler 4xe models automatically transfers torque to the wheel with maximum traction. In the Wrangler 4xe Rubicon in particular, the driver has the option of "locking" both the front and rear differential, maximising the vehicle's ability to exploit the traction margins provided by the tyres and the road surface.
Jeep tip: Even in the case of top-of-the-line all-wheel drive systems like Jeep's 4xe, choosing the right tyres is a key factor in ensuring safe rides on snowy or icy surfaces. M+S (mud and snow) tyres are fitted to all Trailhawk versions of the Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe, as well as all Wrangler 4xe, offering particularly high levels of traction in winter conditions. Even in this case, however, depending on the road conditions, the use of an auxiliary device such as chains or snow blankets may be required and should always accompany the vehicle on winter excursions.
- Through the Uconnect multimedia system available on all Jeep 4xe, the user can remotely program the cabin temperature so that the car is already warm when he or she wants to use it. At the same time, the increase in interior temperature helps make it easier to clean the vehicle's glass surfaces that may be covered in snow and ice.
Jeep Tip: Proper cabin temperature and especially proper anti-glare operation are essential for the driver to be able to drive the vehicle safely. All windows should be clear before starting the vehicle so that the driver has proper peripheral visibility.
Jeep has created a driver's guide so that before each outing, the driver is confident that he or she is ready to tackle winter conditions and safely and comfortably take advantage of all the advanced features of their Jeep 4xe.
