JEEP launched its stylish compact SUV - the Renegade - back in 2014 and it has recently undergone a mid-life facelift with more economical engines, a fresh new look, plus an updated interior.

The safety features have also been upgraded on the car that is available in four trim levels called Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, priced from £19,705 to £31,440.

The 2019 Renegade is powered by new three and four-cylinder turbo 1.0-litre 120hp and 1.3-litre 150hp turbo petrol engines.

For those preferring diesel-driven cars there is an updated 1.6-litre 120hp unit and a 2.0-litre Multijet II powertrain with 140hp or 170hp.

These can be mated to a six-speed manual, DDCT (Dual Dry Clutch Transmission) or nine-speed automatic gearboxes depending on the engine, along with the choice of two or four-wheel-drive.

We tried the Jeep Renegade Limited powered by the 1.6-litre 120hp diesel engine delivering 320Nm of torque, costing25,940 (£28,990 with options).

This front-wheel-drive car, with its six-speed manual gearbox, could complete the 0-62mph dash in 10.2 seconds and maxed out at 110mph.

According to official figures, it coulddeliver combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg (WLTP) with carbon emissions of 129g/km.

The Jeep Renegade is very easy on the eye with its bold upright stance, instantly-recognisable Jeep nine-slot grille, new fog lights, black wheel arch mouldings and lower body cladding, square tail lights with a distinctive cross pattern and circular headlights.

Move inside and the interior has a more modern, authentic styling with neat eye-catching colour combinations, upgraded materials, all the infotainment technology you could wish for via the Uconnect touchscreen and upmarket leather upholstery.

Techno treats are plentiful and, on the Limited model, include a larger Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen Nav system (five or six-inch on lower trims) with full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There is GPS navigation, dual-zone climate control, a DAB radio and six-speaker sound system.

The seats are comfortable and can be heated, along with the steering wheel, to help fend off the winter chill and there is enough room for a couple of adults to sit comfortably in the back of the car. Add a third and it gets a little too snug, but with young families in mind, there's ample space for three youngsters in the back.

Storage options are good with a boot capacity of 351 litres that increases to 1,297 litres with the40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat. This rear bench set-up was part of a Function Pack adding £700 to the cost of the car.

The Renegade was awarded the maximum five stars when it was tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating and the latest model has been given even more safety kit.

Standard across the entire range are Lane Sense Departure Warning-Plus and Intelligent Speed Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition, six airbags and electronic stability control with electronic rollover mitigation.

On the Renegade Limited model, you getForward Collision Warning Plus wherebyradar and video sensors detect whether you are approaching another vehicle or large obstacle too rapidly. The system warns you and, if ignored, assists with the braking to avoid an accident.

There is also an Automatic Park Assist and Park Sense system that helps to identify a suitable parking space and then guides the driver with audio and video instructions that also appear on the TFT instrument cluster.

All in all, Jeep has certainly raised the bar with the latest Renegade. It still looks quite quirky and fun with lots of character, but seems to have matured along the way and developed more all-round appeal.