End of Season Review Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo

With only a few weeks before the end of the season, it is now time to give you my final impressions on the 2019 Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo that our partner Mini Mécanik Sports graciously loaned us for the 2018-2019 season.

I was really surprised within the first few kilometres by the power of the engine. Having driven a snowmobile with a 2-stroke TEC 850 of 165 hp several times, I can tell you that the 4-stroke engine with its 150 hp is not far behind in terms of power. The turbo engine’s recovery is almost instantaneous, and there is a big difference with the old engine, the 4 TEC 1200 cc. Also, you don’t feel any vibration as with some other engines. And what can I say about the sound? You hear a beautiful humming and small whistle from the turbo; it’s music to my ears. Regarding the intelligent ITC accelerator, you will need some time before you get used to it, but you soon realize that the intelligent ITC accelerator is much less tiring in the long run and you can change the positioning of the accelerator quickly.

Regarding fuel consumption, it’s still very good for a machine of this power and weight. On average, the 2019 Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo ACE consumes 15.5 litres per hundred kilometres or 19.44 miles per gallon.  Sometimes, even a bit less than a machine with a 2-stroke engine in certain snow conditions and all of this without adding injection oil, therefore costing less. In terms of reliability, given that this is the first year that this engine is marketed, we cannot comment on this point, but up to now, I have not had a problem. I have done my first engine oil change and drive chain inspection at my dealer, and at the time of the inspection, no problem was found.

Regarding manoeuvrability, the weight of the snowmobile with a 4-stroke engine could still be felt but compared to the old chassis there is a net improvement; the weight is more centralized thanks to the 4GEN chassis. In the hardened trails, you will feel that you are at the helm of a 2-stroke machine. The machine even tends to lift at the front when driving more aggressively. In deeper snow, however, it is another story. The front tends to sink in softer conditions, and it becomes even more difficult to control, particularly at low speed and in small winding paths.

Wind protection is excellent on the sides, and we don’t feel any turbulence. The newly expanded chassis, which allows for the installation of the powerful 4-stroke 900 ACE Turbo engine, provides excellent wind protection on the sides. As for the top of the body, the low stock windshield of the Renegade X Turbo does, however, offer less protection. To correct the situation, BRP offers, as an option, a medium or high windscreen and even better yet, an adjustable one. The new wider seat is very comfortable especially during long rides.

Anti-backflow device?

Concerning the points to improve, BRP has once again not really changed their stock light system for 2019, resulting in ineffective lighting. We easily recognize the Ski-Doo models when riding in the evening by their typical yellow and dim lighting. When can we expect stock LED lighting found on most models of other manufacturers? Another point is when filling up, there is a white plastic component added to the mouth of the fuel tank, compared to the 2-stroke model. This device makes the filling much more difficult. It is difficult to enter the spout when filling up with gas. What is this white plastic component really for? Is it to avoid bubbles in the tank? My research allowed me to discover that this device avoids the backflow of gasoline.

Another thing that I noticed that would surely require an adjustment is that in Sport mode, the snowmobile is very unpredictable, and it even gives some blows, especially in corner exits. This mode allows you to feel the full power under the hood, but it makes your ride less pleasant. 

In conclusion, the coming of the new and more powerful 4-stroke engine leaves me undecided as to the purchase of a new machine. Should I go for performance and lightness with a 2-stroke engine or should I go for the longevity of a 4-stroke engine with just enough performance to have fun? And you, what will your choice be? Quite a dilemma in sight!

I want to thank Sledmagazine.com as well as our partner Mini Mécanik Sports for the long-term test of the 2019 Renegade X 900 ACE Turbo.

Here’s to a good end of the season and good shopping.