When I was told that, with the help of Ski-Doo dealer Roger A. Pelletier in Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac, I would be one of the first to try a 2022 model, I was like a child on Christmas Eve! Plus, it was a test vehicle equipped with the new 2-stroke 600efi engine, an engine that has been the subject of much discussion since its announcement a year ago.
Having just tried the 600efi in a Backcountry snowmobile, I was eager to see what this engine had in store for me when coupled with a shorter track and a different suspension.
As I rode the Backcountry Sport, I understood the purpose of this new entry-level engine. To offer enough power to be fun while being affordable, and it does that very well. But I have to admit that I was surprised on my first ride in the Renegade Sport. Combined with the 137x15x1.25'' Cobra track, the 600EFI has even more power than in the Backcountry!
Being an entry-level model, the Renegade Sport comes out of the workshop with the SC-5M rear suspension, available at BRP for about a decade, supported by an HPG shock absorber used on most base models. Up front, it is the RAS 3 system introduced in 2017, designed with the Gen4 platform. This front suspension, coupled with Motion Control shocks, is doing a great job on the trail so far.
After a first ride of 80 km, I can say that I will have a lot of fun riding this machine on the trails! I'll also try to ride a little off-trail at the cottage to see if BRP is right to call the Renegade a hybrid snowmobile. Stay tuned for my more in-depth assessment at the end of the season!
Once again, thanks to Roger A Pelletier of Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac for the long-term loan of this snowmobile.
