MILD hybrid versions of the Jeep Renegade and Compass SUVs will be on the road in March and offer a claimed improved fuel consumption of up to 15 per cent.

The e-Hybrid models will be priced from £31,130 for the Renegade and £32,895 for the Compass and each will be available in a variety of trim levels.

Both are powered by a new four cylinder 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission which delivers 130hp.

The propulsion system includes a built-in 48 volt 15kW (20hp) electric motor which can drive the wheels even when the internal combustion engine is turned off.

Jeep says the new versions offer up to 15 per cent lower consumption and CO2emissions than the previous petrol models.

Depending on the state of battery charge available from the self-charging system the cars start in electric mode which will also be available at low speeds such as in traffic jams or when parking.

Electric-only power is also available on light throttle settings when the vehicles are cruising.

The new models follow the launch of the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrains which are already used on the two SUVs.

Special edition Upland trim is being offered on both the Renegade and Compass e-Hybrids with which includes two-tone body colours and bronze finishes on the front grille and rear skid plate as well as a bonnet decal.

The interior trim on the Upland models makes extensive use of recycled materials including Seaqual upholstery which is made from recycled plastic recovered from the sea.

The Renegade Upland is the entry level model with higher specification S grade versions priced from £32,130.

The Compass e-Hybrid line up starts in Night Eagle trim followed by Limited models priced from £33,895, Upland grade from £35,895 and range topping S specification from £36,895.

Emissions for the Renegade are as low as 130g/km and 136g/km for the Compass compared to bests of 134 and 149g/km for the current petrol-only versions.

Both models feature Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system while they also come with semi-autonomous Highway Assist driving modes which use a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane centring to automatically adjust speed and trajectory when driving on motorways.