Jeep News

One of the biggest car makers in the world has reportedly forked out billions in warranty claims over the past year. Stellantis, parent company of brands like Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Jeep has paid out the equivalent of more than $10 billion in global warranty expenses for the 2025/26 financial year. This tough reliability run has seen Stellantis begin a complete reset of its processes to get on track. The big news out of this reset is that the brand will launch its first model riding on its new STLA One platform next year. The brand said the platform will underpin up to 30 new vehicles in the small and mid-size SUV categories. This will equate to more than two million sales annually by the time 2035 comes around. Stellantis also said it is targeting improvements to quality even before this new platform gets underway. “If we do the right things earlier in the program, that means that when we get closer to launch we’ll have fewer problems,” Stellantis propulsion systems testing and analysis lead Mark Christie told Auto News.  “The product life target for powertrain components is 10 years and 150,000 miles (about 240,00km).”The brand is plotting the launch of 23 new and updated models in the next four years across its portfolio. It has been a turbulent time for Stellantis in recent years with the departure of Chief Executive Officer Carlos Tavares and subsequent appointment of Antonio Filosa.The brand reported a $37 billion net loss earlier this year.Reports indicate focus will shift to Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and Ram, but other brands in the group will benefit from the technology acquired.Peugeot recently unveiled its all-new E-208 GTI fully-electric hot hatch in what will be an early test for Stellantis' change of direction.  

Audi RS5: Ready to enter the German ‘Big Three’ performance octagon with the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C63S, the new Audi RS5, offered as a sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon, is a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with a powerful single electric motor for outputs of 470kW/825Nm. Pricing is already confirmed from $179,900, before on-road costs. Read moreBentley Bentayga Speed: Swapping out the British brand’s epic (but emissions constrained) 6.0L W12 for a fearsome 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 has made this luxurious SUV even faster and louder. How about 478kW/850Nm and $525,000, before on-road costs, when it arrives here in the next couple of months?Read moreBMW iX3: Arriving in early July, BMW’s much-anticipated 'Neue Klasse' iX3 is an ultra-modern mid-size five-door SUV with a pure-electric powertrain initially launching with one model, the 345kW/645Nm 50 xDrive (109,900, before on-road costs). The 235kW/500Nm iX3 40 ($89,900, BOC), which slips under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, will follow in Q4.  Read moreBMW M2 xDrive: New compact muscle coupe variant picks up all-wheel drive to put the 353kW/600Nm produced by its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder on the ground. Zero to 100km/h in 3.7sec with cost-of-entry at $172,900, before on-road costs when it arrives in Q4.Read moreBYD Atto 3 Evo: Prior to the all-new next-gen Atto 3 likely hitting Aussie showrooms sometime in 2027, the Evo version of the current model gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available. Likely local touchdown in Q3.Read moreChery KP31: And you thought there wasn’t room for another ute in the Aussie market. The subject of a local naming contest (Orca is looking likely, as it tops BYD Shark) the Chery ‘KP31’ is scheduled for a Q4 launch, featuring a ladder chassis and a segment-first 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and electric motor hybrid powertrain. A petrol-electric hybrid will arrive in 2027.Read moreCupra VZ5: Fire-breathing mid-size SUV variant powered by an Audi RS3-sourced 2.5-litre turbo-petrol five-cylinder engine sending 287kW/480Nm to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. Zero to 100km/h comes up in 4.2 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the 228kW VZx, making it one of the fastest combustion-powered SUVs out there. Read moreDeepal S05: The Deepal S05 small-medium SUV joins the S07 mid-size SUV, likely offered in range-extender hybrid and/or pure-electric form. ADR compliance is locked in and pre-orders are open on the brand’s Aussie website.Read moreFerrari 849 Testarossa: Okay, the shopping list - milk, bread, eggs and a $932,648 Ferrari 849 Testarossa. Not for everyone, then. But what a car! Zero to 100km/h in 2.3sec courtesy of a twin-turbo V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain sending 611kW/842Nm to all four wheels. Coupe in Q4, with the roofless Spider arring in early ‘27.  Read moreGeely EX2: Set to arrive in the third quarter, this budget-focused electric compact SUV could start under $30K, before on-road costs. It has a single motor driving the rear wheels and two battery sizes are offered in China, providing 310km or 410km of range, respectively. Read moreGenesis GV60 Magma: Part of the upcoming next-gen GV60 line-up, the Magma is a performance-focused pure-electric powerhouse SUV riding on the same ‘E-GMP’ platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Dual electric motors for 478kW/790Nm, 0-200km/h in 10.9sec and maximum velocity of 264km/h. Arrives in July.Read moreGWM Wey G9: The Wey G9 (name yet to be confirmed for Australia) is a luxury plug-in hybrid people mover scheduled for Q4 with the V9X PHEV SUV spilling over into 2027. Its chunky 44.2 kWh battery provides a claimed pure-electric driving range of up to 170 km with a combined range of more than 1000km. Read moreHonda Super One: Super by name, super by nature, this pure-electric ‘kei’ car is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a likely Aussie starting price around $35,000. A front-mounted electric motor produces 70kW/162Nm and Honda claims up to 274km of range.  Read moreHyundai Palisade XRT Pro: A tough looking Toyota LandCruiser rival with twin, chassis-mounted tow hooks as well as more ground clearance for useful approach, departure and breakover angles. Add a rear electronic limited-slip differential for better off-road capability as well as downhill brake control and new terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. Read moreIsuzu D-Max EV: One of the most popular utes in the county could get a pure-electric option powered by front- and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 140kW, with front motor torque at 108Nm and rear motor torque at 217Nm for a maximum 325Nm and full-time 4WD. A 67kWh battery offers a driving range of 263km (WLTP). No launch confirmation yet, but Isuzu Ute Australia says “it will continue to monitor local needs and evaluate the reception of BEVs”. Read moreJeep Compass: Potentially a Q4 arrival, the new Compass rides on the same ‘STLA Medium’ platform as Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008. It will join the smaller Avenger in Jeep’s electrified line-up. There should be a choice of 106kW 48V eHybrid and 145kW plug-in hybrid powertrains, both likely based on the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine carried over from the current-generation. Read moreKGM Musso Q300: Dual-cab only, powered by a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW/441Nm mated to a six-speed torque-converter auto transmission with 4WD and a locking rear differential. Coil- or leaf-spring rear suspension options with a payload of 500kg for the former and 700kg for the latter. Features a 12.3-inch digital dash and matching multimedia touchscreen.   Read moreKia Seltos: Coming in Q4, We’re expecting a front-wheel drive version with outputs to be approximately 113kW/265Nm, plus an all-wheel drive with 131kW, though its rear wheels will be powered by an electric motor and not mechanically connected to the front wheels. The all-new Seltos should start around $30K, before on-road costs. A specific Australian suspension tune is already in the works.  Read moreLeapmotor B05: Lobbing in Q4, the Leapmotor B05 is a five-door, electric, rear-wheel drive, hot-ish hatch with 180kW/320Nm in the flagship Ultra variant. A choice of 56.2kWh or 67.1kWh battery, delivers a range of 500km or 600km (CLTC) and we’d be shocked if it wasn't among the cheapest warmed-over hatch offerings in the local market.   Read moreLexus ES: Electric versions of the striking all-new Lexus ES have been approved for Australian sale, the dual-motor, all-wheel drive ES500e flagship producing 252kW. The ES350e is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 170kW. However, the brand has confirmed hybrid powertrains will eventually be offered locally.  Read moreMazda CX-6e: Set to challenge the Tesla Model Y on price, the Mazda CX-6e is likely to land with a starting price around $54K. A 78kWh battery delivers a 450km (WLTP) range, the rear-mounted 190kW/290Nm electric motor drives the rear wheels and 0-100km/h comes up in 7.9sec. Its 195kW DC charging capacity is good for a 10-80 per cent top-up in under 25 minutes.Read moreMercedes-Benz GLB: Launch line-up of the pure-electric small SUV will be single-motor rear-wheel drive (200kW/335Nm) GLB250+ or dual-motor all-wheel drive (260kW/515Nm) GLB350. Its 800-volt architecture allows an ultra-rapid DC charging rate of up to 320kW. Three hybrid powertrains will be added later in front- or all-wheel drive all using a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt assistance. Read moreMG QS PHEV: Launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with an Aussie introduction likely this year. Plug-in hybrid uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor for around 220kW combined. A 24.7kWh battery pack grants it a WLTP-certified electric range of 100km.Read moreMitsubishi Pajero: One of the year’s most significant arrivals comes with the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero, with sights set on the upcoming Y63 Nissan Patrol and current Toyota LandCruiser 300. Most likely powertrain is an updated version of the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel powering the current Triton range (150kW/470Nm). Looking like a Q4 launch.Read moreNissan Patrol: Nissan Australia has confirmed orders for the new ‘Y63’ Patrol will “open in coming months” with vehicles on the ground at the end of the year or very early next. Its 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine is derived from GT-R’s and produces 317kW/700Nm, dwarfing the 298kW/560Nm outputs of the soon-to-be-defunct V8 of the Y62 Patrol. Read moreOmoda 4: New entry-level model for the brand with edgy, angular looks and a choice of internal-combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric power in the domestic Chinese market. Riding on Chery’s ‘T1X’ platform, the Omoda 4 is a likely Toyota Corolla Cross competitor.Read morePolestar 5: Headed our way in Q3, the 5.1m long ultra-slippery (Cd 0.24) Polestar 5 offers the performance, comfort and touring ability of the Porsche Taycan and its Audi e-tron GT sibling at an appreciably lower price. Two versions coming, both powered by dual motors - the Dual Motor (550kW/812Nm) at $171,100 and the Performance (650kW/1015Nm) at $193,100 (both before on-road costs).Read morePorsche Cayenne Electric: Dropping in Q3, as the name implies, this is a pure-electric beast with even the entry-grade (of three) Cayenne Electric ($167,800, before on-road costs) featuring dual motors, all-wheel drive and producing 325kW. The flagship Turbo accelerates from 0-100km/h in hypercar-equalling 2.5sec thanks to its stonking 850kW/1500Nm outputs.  Read moreRenault Symbioz: On course for a July touchdown, the Symbioz is a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross rival with an entry-level mild-hybrid 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powertrain producing 104kW/245Nm. A 1.8L full-hybrid boosts that to 116kW/265Nm. Pricing starts from $36,990. Read moreSmart #5: It’s been a long time in the offing but the Smart #5 plug-in hybrid SUV is a likely Aussie arrival in the second half of the year. It offers up to 252km of pure-electric range and up to 320kW of total power from its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine and three-speed hybrid transaxle motor powertrain. Claimed fuel economy is as low as 4.4L/100km (when its battery is depleted). Read moreToyota RAV4 PHEV: Another significant new entry. FWD variants of the RAV4 PHEV will be powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and front-mounted electric motor, producing 201kW. AWD variants add a rear-mounted motor, increasing power to 227kW. Pricing will start from $58,840, before on-road costs, making it roughly $15K more expensive than the car's base standard hybrid variant ($45,990).  Read moreVolkswagen T-Roc: Sleeker looking and bigger, with a more premium vibe, VW’s small SUV also features new powertrains. A 1.5-litre turbo-petrol mild-hybrid in two states of tune (85kW and 110kW) for FWD versions and a more powerful 2.0L mild-hybrid arriving later. A T-Roc R is confirmed to follow, too.  Read moreXPeng G9: As the legal cage fight between previous XPeng importer True EV and the XPeng factory continues, the priority is getting G6s back into showrooms. But the luxury G9 electric SUV is a possible addition. Rear- or all-wheel drive with two battery options, a driving range of up to 680km and loads of included features for an estimated starting price in the region of $70K.Read moreZeekr 8X: Upper mid-sized, plug-in hybrid luxury SUV to sit above the mid-size fully electric 7X and below the flagship three-row 9X. Pairs a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine (205kW/410Nm) with dual electric motors for a combined 660kW/935Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds. A 55kWh or 70kWh battery pack with a 900-volt architecture allows ultra-fast charging and either a 320km or 410km EV driving range. Probable starting price in the $80K band.Read moreZeekr 9X: Ultra-luxury, upper-large, three-row SUV offering a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a massive battery pack. The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the two lower variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range. Standard equipment and features are suitably extensive. Expect a starting price just over $100K.Read more

Jeep and Peugeot parent company Stellantis has announced a plan to launch 110 new or refreshed vehicles by 2030, including 60 brand new models, as part of sweeping changes to the business, which include an optimised manufacturing footprint and tweaks to the company’s partnerships and platform strategy.This wide-reaching set of changes is part of a grander plan Stellantis dubs FaSTLAne 2030 in order to “maximise capital efficiency, avoid duplicate spending, and support profitability”.Stellantis will optimise its global factories, accelerate research and development to reduce model cycles to 24 months rather than the current 40 months, and sharpen its pencil on cost competitiveness and quality.In terms of where its portfolio of 14 brands will sit in this plan, the company said it will focus on four global brands: Jeep, Ram, Peugeot and Fiat.It said Chrysler, Dodge, Citroen, Opel and Alfa Romeo are “regional brands”, while its luxury European arms, DS and Lancia, will be managed by Citroen and Fiat respectively and “developed as specialty brands”.Maserati will be “strengthened” with a plan including two new large vehicles to be announced at a later date.The realignment will also see Stellantis’ platform strategy sharpened, with the group planning 50 per cent of its global volume to be on just three platforms as it continues to consolidate its global portfolio, which was previously split between the US market and Europe where the company is strongest.It specifically earmarked its STLA One platform as being the primary growth driver. This new modular platform is expected to underpin a huge percentage of the company’s global model footprint in much the same way as Volkswagen Group’s MQB and MEB platforms currently do, and will seemingly replace the current CMP and EMP2 (aka STLA Small and Medium) platforms it inherited from PSA. It will be the first platform to roll in all of the brand’s latest tech, like the STLA Brain computing system, STLA SmartCockpit UI system and new steer-by-wire technology.The company says the STLA One platform will launch in 2027, has the ability to cover small to upper-mid-sized vehicles, and will allow the brand to reduce complexity across much of its line-up.It is capable of supporting multiple levels of electrification from hybrid to full EV, and will have an 800-volt electrical architecture.By 2035, STLA One will underpin 30 new models and is expected to account for two million sales.It will also come with a realignment of its manufacturing presence. Stellantis will reduce its capacity in Europe by 800,000 units, re-purposing factories, while increasing production in the US, the Middle East, and Africa, with a goal of at least 80 per cent utilisation.Meanwhile, it will lean on its partnership with Leapmotor for more expansion in the Asia Pacific region, which it described as an “asset-light” region.Partnerships of previously unprecedented scale will help Stellantis toward its goal, with existing deals opening doors for Leapmotor and Dongfeng to manufacture cars in Stellantis facilities in Europe.The partnership with Dongfeng, which also works with Nissan, will form the basis for two new Peugeot and two new Jeep models.Meanwhile, the recently-inked memorandum of understanding with both Indian giant Tata and its Jaguar Land Rover unit will open more doors for Stellantis in India, and JLR in the US where it hopes to side-step tariff requirements.Locally, Stellantis’ historic brands and even its new Leapmotor portfolio are struggling to make an impact on Australia’s more-competitive-than-ever new car landscape.Jeep, once the crown jewel of the group’s offering Down Under, has taken a battering year-to-date, down 65 per cent to just a handful of sales (249 units) made up predominantly of its signature Wrangler off-roader.It is a similar case for Peugeot, which is down 32.3 per cent so far this year, moving 320 units, nearly half for its Partner van (142 units).The best performing brand under the Stellantis umbrella has, unsurprisingly, emerged as Leapmotor, which has had reasonable success in 2026 off the back of its competitively-priced B10 small SUV. Leapmotor has moved 420 units this year, up 116.5 per cent.

Stellantis, owner of Jeep, and Jaguar Land Rover have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to “explore opportunities to collaborate on product development in the United States”.Antonio Filosa, CEO of Stellantis said: “By working with partners to explore synergies in areas such as product and technology development, we can create meaningful benefits for both sides while remaining focused on delivering the products and experiences our customers love.” Meanwhile PB Balaji, CEO of JLR said: “As we continue to evolve JLR for the future, collaboration will play an important role in unlocking new opportunities. Working with Stellantis allows us to explore complementary capabilities in product and technology development that support our long‑term growth plans for the US market.”The tie-up comes as both companies face a tough tariff environment in the US, with Stellantis being embattled there in previous years with its previous CEO, Carlos Tavares, focusing largely on the European operation. JLR, meanwhile, could gain a foothold in the lucrative US market, where it does not currently have a manufacturing footprint.The partnership marks a major change in strategy for embattled Stellantis, which posted a A$37 billion dollar loss in 2025. Its house of 14 brands includes diverse marques from Jeep to Peugeot and Maserati. Under Tavares the US operation suffered, particularly Jeep. The brand pivoted to a more premium position, which didn’t resonate with buyers. Locally, it even resulted in the Grand Cherokee being pulled from sale as Jeep chose to focus on its more competitive offerings.JLR recently ended production of Jaguar models as it gears up for a major re-boot of its luxury passenger car brand, with the company still managing to post good results for 2025 off the back of record sales of the popular Defender and surging global sales of its new Range Rover Sport.The brand even claims that it has taken over 32,000 expressions of interest globally for its upcoming Jaguar Type 01 GT car.A bruising cyberattack, which shut down the brand’s factories in late 2025, has had an impact on the JLR’s bottom line. New tariffs in the US have caused the UK based company to post a 99 per cent profit slump in the first months of 2026.Both companies, which have been rivals in the past, have also turned to their Chinese joint-ventures for more global resilience.Stellantis has made clear its plan to lean on more partnerships, particularly with its Leapmotor joint-venture, and more recently, a new tie-up with Dongfeng to build more Peugeot models in China.Jaguar Land Rover has re-booted the Freelander marque as part of its joint-venture with Chery. The first model, the Freelander 8, pairs the design motifs from the previous Freelander small SUVs with an 800-volt architecture from Chery, plotted to be offered in both range extender hybrid and fully electric forms.Unlike previous Freelanders though, the new Chery-based model is an over-five-meter long three-row SUV. The tie-up has global aspirations and will exist independently of both Land Rover and Chery, and has been confirmed for an Australian launch.

Iconic off-road brand Jeep may have been thrown a lifeline to be rescued from its current struggles in the form of Chinese carmaker Dongfeng with which it will build future models.Jeep’s parent company Stellantis has signed a new agreement which will see the joint venture currently known as Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile (DPCA) produce two Peugeot models and two Jeeps.The A$1.7 billion agreement will not only allow Stellantis to be more competitive locally in China with the models made at Dongfeng Wuhan plant but will also see these models exported globally.Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit last week Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said the partnership with Dongfeng was part of the company’s new strategy for the future. "Stellantis has been growing this last year, creating a clear view of being attractive for long-term partnerships to many players," he said."We are attractive because we are strong in many regions, we are attractive because of our scale, and mostly because we have unbelievably strong brands, so our level of appeal is big."We understand that by working with a set of partners to build a roadmap of technological improvement, supply chain improvement and maybe capacity utilisation. These are really good topics to work together and create benefits."Stellantis already has an existing separate agreement with Dongfeng and has produced the Peugeot 4008 and 5008 in China. The new joint venture will see Dongfeng’s Concept 6 and Concept 8 both shown at the recent Beijing motor show underpin two new Peugeot models.As for the two Jeep models both are expected to be 'new energy' (plug-in) vehicles but the platforms underpinning them is currently unknown. Filosa is expected to reveal more on this at an investor conference this week in the United States.Dongfeng currently has a large array of off-road models in its portfolio from the Rich 7 dual cab ute to the hardcore MHero SUV. The company also displayed what it calls the "first new energy all terrain extreme off-road concept vehicle - the MHero M-Hunter" at the Beijing motor show. It’s a model which may fit Jeep’s go-anywhere ethos well if it was to be chosen as the basis for a new model.Production of the new Jeep and Peugeot models will begin at the Wuhan factory in 2027.It could be the shot in the arm Jeep and Peugeot needs both globally and in Australia.Year to date sales of Jeep vehicles in Australia have reached just 249, a 65 per cent drop over the same period in 2025.Peugeot’s performance locally has been somewhat better but still underwhelming with 320 units registered year to date representing a 32.3 per cent decline compared to 2025.Stellantis will be looking to the new joint venture to give what are well known brands the technological innovation needed to compete in an auto landscape which is appearing to swing to Chinese dominance.  

Jeep has debuted an updated version of one of its newest models at a Brazilian festival.This refreshed 2026 Jeep Avenger is the official car of this year's Todo Mundo no Rio music festival, which has historically played host to millions of attendees and artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga.A highlight of this update is a reinterpretation of the brand's iconic seven-slot grille. It's now illuminated, following an increasing trend for brands to highlight their trademark design features.The Avenger also scores new X-shaped tail-lights as past of a “modern look aligned with the brand's new global design”.New wheel arches and bumpers are said to “reinforce the feeling of being in a Jeep, as well as excellent approach, departure, and ground clearance angles”.New paint options, two-tone combinations, roof racks, and a new 18-inch wheel design are also part of the update.So far, Jeep hasn’t confirmed any technical or mechanical changes to the model.It’s unclear if it retains the same setups in its petrol front-wheel drive, hybrid all-wheel drive, or electric front-wheel drive versions.In Australia, the Avenger is available only as an EV with a 115kW front-drive setup and 390km of range and competes with the BYD Atto 2 and coming Geely EX2.The current version is priced from $40,000 drive-away.Expect more information about the Avenger update to come later this year.

One of the largest carmaker conglomerates in the world will focus its investments on its most popular and profitable brands, according to reports.News outlet Reuters spoke with five unnamed sources, who said Stellantis will be focusing on the Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot and Ram brands moving forward.This will reportedly be announced in May as part of a new long-term strategic plan by current Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa.Stellantis currently has a total of 14 brands, including Alfa Romeo, Citroen and Maserati, among others. While it reportedly will be focusing its fundings on the aforementioned core brands, it doesn’t plan to shut down any of the other brands or palm them off to other companies.The lower-volume brands will reportedly instead receive funding to build models using the technology and platforms from either Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot or Ram. Rebadging certain models is another solution that’s reportedly under consideration.These brands will also become focused at specific markets where they are already performing well or have potential, according to the unnamed sources.Stellantis was founded in 2021 upon the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Groupe.This was headed by former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares who gave every brand funding for five years and said he would assess which brand would continue after the fact.Tavares resigned as CEO from Stellantis at the end of 2024 following falling share prices, large changes in operations and the decline of sales in key markets, including North America.He was succeeded by Antonio Filosa who was appointed as CEO in May 2025. Since then he has attempted to correct course and boost sales, especially in North America.However, last year Stellantis noted a net loss of €22.3 billion (~A$36.4 billion) in 2025 which is says was because of a decisive reset to align with customers and support profitable growth - a strategic shift to put customer preferences and freedom-of-choice back at the heart of the Company’s plans”.It has also revised its plans to roll out more internal-combustion (ICE) products, including resurrecting diesel powertrains, amid declining electric vehicle (EV) demand in certain markets.

Jeep has announced it remains committed to the Australian market despite posting some of the worst sales results in its modern history.Forced to address rumours that parent Stellantis was considering pulling the plug on the 4x4 brand's local operation, Jeep's Senior Vice President for Global Product Planning, Matt Nyquist, said the US SUV brand is staying and will invest in its future in Australia.Jeep has sold just 184 cars through the first three months of this year, a drop of more than 65 per cent.2025's sales data showed Jeep only managed to sell 1682 cars – its lowest annual sales total since sales data was first compiled back in 1997, and a considerable 31.5 per cent drop compared to what it shifted in 2024.If that doesn't sound bad enough, the most recent decline follows a 48.7 per cent fall in 2024, a 30.4 per cent drop in 2023 and a 14.2 per cent reduction in volumes in 2022, which is shocking from a brand that back in 2014 was selling more than 30,000 vehicles annually.It now has to deal with affordable Chinese models such as the Denza B5 and B8, and GWM's Tank 4WD range, muscling in on its territory.Dealers were reportedly spooked when the Grand Cherokee was axed from the line-up, despite being Jeep's best-seller, Nyquist was unequivocal when questioned on whether Jeep was about to up sticks and leave the region."There are no plans to withdraw Jeep from the market, we are committed to Australia," he told Carsguide at a recent Jeep event in the US."Australia is a great market for Jeep, it’s had its ups and downs, for sure, but the environments and landscapes that require 4x4 and capability means a good synergy between Jeep and the market."Nyquist was cautious about commenting about how Jeep will reboot the SUV maker locally, but acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the Australian region.Worryingly, for those hoping the brand in Australia would be bolstered (and saved) by a raft of new products, Nyquist refused to confirm that both the rugged all-electric Recon 4x4 and sporty road-biased Wagoneer S SUV were still on track to land in Australia later this year.Both were locked in for a local introduction back in 2022 by then-CEO, Christian Meunier, but now face a more uncertain fate Down Under, said the senior Jeep exec."We are always studying the evolution of the market. The industry has changed dramatically around those products (Recon, Wagoneer S), particularly in the US, but we’re always studying to ensure we have all the right products in the right place at the right price".When probed over whether or not both the most capable trail-rated EV and American Porsche Cayenne Electric rival might now be off the menu for right-hand drive markets, Nyquist was quick to correct us."We are committed to right-hand drive. Once you engineer a vehicle for right-hand drive, the rest – like regulations – are relatively straightforward."For all of our key products we want them to be available for right-hand drive."That suggests, instead of a lack of right-hand drive, it is the general slowing of EV sales that might curb the Stellantis-owned brand's appetite for exporting its two latest and shiniest models to markets like Australia.Meanwhile, Down Under, despite being one of the cheapest all-electric SUVs money can buy, before generous discounts, the Jeep Avenger struggles to make a dent on the sales charts.Other calamitous local decisions include a lack of V6 turbo-diesel availability on the once cheap but now ever more expensive Wrangler and Gladiator, sky-high pricing for the six-figure Grand Cherokee followed by massive $33,000 price cuts.Without the two flagship EVs imminently inbound, Jeep will have to bank on the success of the new-generation Compass and Cherokee to turn around the iconic 4x4 brand and make it sustainable again Down Under.

Fuel prices are soaring across the board whether it is petrol or diesel. Some drivers are being more affected than others as lower fuel efficiency contributes to higher refuelling costs. Here are the most expensive cars to run currently in Australia based on fuel efficiency. Other contributing factors to the high fuel costs on this list include the fact many of the cars have big fuel tanks and require premium fuel.Fuel prices have been calculated using the average prices for fuel in New South Wales and at an average of 15,000km driven per year. Among the heaviest guzzlers is the Nissan Patrol four-wheel drive, with its 5.6-litre V8 drinking fuel at a rate of 14.4L/100km. Its 140-litre fuel tank and requirement for premium unleaded petrol means it costs $364 per fill-up and a total yearly cost of $5617.28. The Patrol will move to a more efficient 3.5-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol, which is expected to reduce fuel costs. The Ford Mustang sports car is another V8 on this list, with its 5.0-litre unit registering average fuel efficiency at 13.6L/100km and a yearly cost of $5310.27.Ford’s other representative is the Ranger Raptor high-end ute, powered by a twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine costing $4482.76 per year. The Ineos Grenadier off-roader is the most expensive model to run and costs $5618.50 a year to run, in part due to it being diesel, which has been the fuel type that has increased the most. The Lexus GX550 has refuelling costs of $208 per fill-up currently, costing $4800 for the year, along with nearly $3000 for the Jeep Gladiator, which unlike many on this list can run off E10 fuel.The 6.2-litre petrol V8 found in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pick-up has an economy of more than 12 litres per 100km, costing $4,356.30 over the year.  Genesis’ GV70 luxury SUV costs more $4400 per year in fuel, a similar figure to the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 variants of the Land Rover Defender. Highest fuel efficiency new vehicles on sale under $150,000 

What a month! The war in the Middle East has created serious panic for commuters stung by soaring fuel prices.A way out of that spiral is getting into an electric vehicle (EV), and there are still several models available at heavily-discounted prices to make the transition from internal combustion engines easier.Here are a handful of electric bargains we found online at a minimum of 30 per cent off retail, with odometers capped at 10,000km for that fresh-car feel. Many had barely breached 2500km.To be sure, there must have been at least three examples at the lower prices advertised to make this list at the time of publishing. Most are dealer demonstrators, and all will bring savings if you depend on your vehicle on a daily basis, since the bulk of their early depreciation has already occurred.Kia Niro EVThe second-gen Niro launched in 2022 from an eye-watering $65K, putting punters off from what was a pleasant, competent and likeable mid-sized crossover EV. Sales stalled, and Kia discontinued it. But there are still a handful of MY23 demos at under $40K. That’s over 40 per cent off retail!New price: $65,300 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai InsterCharming, chuckable and ideal for urban commutes, the Inster can be had for over 33 per cent off retail if you’re willing to snap up one of the demos doted around the country.New price: $43,500 drive-awaySeen for: $28,990 drive-away (MY25, demo)Renault Kangoo E-TechAbout a half-dozen demo examples of Renault’s terrific little Kangoo E-Tech from 2023 are still available for under $40K, representing another 40 per cent saving. The little French van is also indecently fun. What a bargain!New price: $66,500 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Hyundai Kona ElectricSpacious, agile and refined, the electric version of the Kona small SUV punches above its weight, as reflected by its current mid-fifties price point. Which means that a 30 per cent saving with just 3000km on the odo make this a no-brainer buy.New price: $54,000 before ORCSeen for: $38,000 (MY24 demo)Audi Q4 45 e-tronOne of our favourite premium EV SUVs, the Q4 e-tron combines high couture with sophisticated engineering, for an on-brand luxury experience that will have you seeking the long way home.New price: $93,000 drive-awaySeen for: $66,000 drive-away (MY25, demo)Ford Mustang Mach-E SelectThe Mustang Mach-E is an enigma. Disregard the baggage associated with the pony-car image and instead revel in a sporty, dynamic and surprisingly practical family car with ample range. Yes, it’s the pre-facelift model, but the savings are worth it.New price: $73,400 drive-awaySeen for: $50,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)Jeep AvengerArguably the most athletic Jeep in history, the Avenger is a sweet-driving, decently packaged and well-presented city-sized SUV with relatively minor off-road capabilities. Built in Poland, it’s related to the Peugeot 2008 EV.New price: $53,990 before ORCSeen for: $37,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Subaru Solterra TouringSubaru’s version of the Toyota bZ4X has really struggled to secure buyers, with the up-spec Touring launching at nearly $84K before quickly being reduced to $77K. Though facelifted and improved, there are loaded demos advertised in the low-fifties drive-away, offering a lot of EV for the money.New price: $76,990 before ORCSeen for: $53,000 drive-away (MY24, demo)Fiat 500eItalians know how to make a chic urban runabout and Fiat’s stylish 500e is no exception. Rapid yet refined, its small battery is quick to charge, still provides over 311km of WLTP range and the handling is a lot of fun.New price: $52,500 before ORCSeen for: $36,000 drive-away (MY23, demo)