Volkswagen Scirocco heading here, Jeep Renegade vs Jeep Renegade and Cleaning Barf [Ask Nathan]

Nathan Adlen Jeep Renegade

  • Is the Volkswagen Scirocco coming to the USA?
  • How about the base Jeep Renegade vs a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk?
  • Help me with a stinky situation!

This first question comes from viewer who wants to know if the Volkswagen Scirocco is heading to the USA.

2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R Quick Take 0-60 MPH Review
2014 Volkswagen Scirocco R Quick Take 0-60 MPH Review

Hi Nathan! Maybe you can help.

Do you think Volkswagen will bring the new Scirocco to the USA? I love the way it looks and everyone in Europe seems to love it.

Have you heard anything?

Jo Jo

A: Hi Jo Jo!

As of right now, Volkswagen has not announced anything new about sending the Scirocco here.

N

Volkswagen Scirocco 1977

2015, jeep, renegade, review, test, video
2015 Jeep Renegade

This next question is from a viewer who is curious about the Jeep Renegade base model.

Hello Nathan,

While I am not in the car market just yet, I like the Renegade.

A question / request I have is why don’t you test a standard Renegade, ideally a 1.8L manual trans AWD model, on gold Mine Hill or elsewhere. It would be a good comparison against the Trailhawk version, especially since you said for all around driving the standard model handles better on the road. I see that there is even a 1.5″ lift kit for the other models of Renegade.

What do you give up or don’t need between the two if you aren’t an off road fanatic?

Thanks

Rodney W

2015 Jeep Renegade Latitude and Trailhawk Models

A: Hi Rodney!

The only engines available to test in the U.S. are the 2.4-liter Tigershark on the more premium machines and the base 1.4-liter Turbo. The good news is: the 1.4-liter Turbo is available with front or all-wheel drive (AWD). That setup (the little turbo, 6-speed manual and AWD) is fantastic and often overlooked.

On the streets, it’s frisky and fairly athletic. The dimensions are ideal for parking and commuting while the road feel (compared with the Trailhawk) is quite good. Many of the Jeep engineers love the base model with AWD and the manual, it’s a lot more fun (and practical) for day-to-day use.

Sure, the Trailhawk looks better, but it’s not as forgiving as a car.

Would I take one up Gold Mine Hill? Absolutely! It should do the first two obstacles with no major issues. The third and hardest obstacle will be too much as it requires ground clearance and articulation. The front-drive Renegades have 6.7 inches of ground clearance. Fortunately, the AWD version has a useful 7.9-in. The Jeep Renegade Trailhawk has 8.7-in of ground clearance.

Yes, if Jeep sent me a base model with AWD, I would definitely test it and, if possible, test it against a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. I only wish Jeep would add more features for the base models as they are a comparative bargain.

Bottom line? The AWD system is a great compromise and something that most people will be happy with. If we had a chance to demonstrate the virtues of the base model(s) you would see a fun and capable runabout that can do about 85% of what the Trailhawk can do off road.

Hope that helps!

N

The last question comes from a viewer who has one messy (and stinky) interior.

2013 Mazda 3 Baby Seat
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Nathan. My sister’s kid barfed all over my Honda Civic!

She threw up all over my back seat and my sister did a terrible job cleaning it up. Stains are on the seats and on the floor, in the carpet. It sat in the sun over the weekend and the car smells so bad, I can’t drive it ;C

Can you give me some cleaning advice?

Thanks.

Paul

Hi Paul,

Sorry to hear about your interior, but there are ways to clean and deodorize your car.

There are plenty of store-bought brands that work well, but I have a popular home fix that’s served me well.

You need to park it in a location where you can leave your windows open over night, like a garage.

Get white vinegar, baking soda, a small tight brush (tooth brush or carpet brush) and a nylon scrub brush. Mix the white vinegar with baking soda to make a paste. Use the nylon scrub-brush and work it into the carpet and upholstery. Rub it in real good.

Let the scrubbed-in paste completely dry (while your car sits with its windows open) and crunch up any chunks before vacuuming up the paste. It’s possible that you will need to reapply the paste if the odor and/or stain is still noticeable.

If the smell lingers after a second treatment, take a few dryer/fabric softener sheets and place them on the areas where the stains and vomit were. This time, roll up the windows and let it sit overnight with a few additional sheets changing the smell of your vehicle.

It worked for me in the past. I hope it helps you too.

If any readers have additional suggestions, please write add them below!

Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com