Jeep Avenger News

Prompted by this week’s announcement of an MG ute, here are some of today’s most egregious examples of new cars or latest models that might have their founders confounded, dazed or confused. And before firing off missives our way, we are not judging any of the listed vehicles’ merits; indeed, we admire their makers’ gumption and self-belief. Good for them!

Jeep now holds the title of Australia's cheapest new electric SUV after announcing discounts of up to $20,000 in some states on its Avenger, Gladiator and Grand Cherokee ranges as part of its end-of-financial-year offers.Despite offering the lowest comparative savings of the three models, the European-built Avenger Longitude is now just $40,000 drive-away, meaning it undercuts budget Chinese rivals such as the new MG S5 ($40,490 drive-away) and the BYD Atto 3 ($39,990 before on-road costs). The previous-generation MG ZS EV (the S5's predecessor) is still technically the cheapest electric SUV in the country outright at $36,888 drive-away, as MG tries to offload remaining MY23 stock. For comparison, the Jeep Avenger only launched in Australia in December of last year. Typically, the Avenger Longitude was priced at $49,990 before on-roads, or approximately $55,344 drive-away in NSW – Australia's most populous state. With the inclusion of premium paint, which is valued at $990, savings now top $16,239 in NSW.The Jeep Avenger is powered by a single electric motor mounted to the front axle that outputs 115kW/260Nm. A 54kWh battery provides 396km of driving range under the WLTP cycle.As standard, the Avenger has a 10.25-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, a six-speaker audio system and Jeep’s advanced driver assist safety systems.The biggest savings are examples of the Gladiator Rubicon ute, the top-spec variant, which typically starts at $87,250 before on-road costs or $95,388 drive-away in NSW.Interested buyers can now snag one for $76,000 drive-away across the country, which includes a steel bar and premium paint, the latter of which is valued at $895. That takes total savings to $20,238.The Gladiator Rubicon is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine that sends 209kW/347Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.It carries a full-time Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a 4:1 transfer case, front and rear locking differentials, sway-bar disconnect and heavy-duty shock absorbers.Additionally, it carries an 8.4-inch multimedia display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, LED lighting and advanced safety features.Five-seat examples of the Grand Cherokee Limited, which will soon be discontinued for Australia, are being offered at $62,000 drive-away, down from its previous asking price of $72,950 before on-road costs, or $79,454 drive-away in NSW.Once again, premium paint (valued at $1490) is included, taking total savings up to $18,944 once it’s factored in.The Grand Cherokee Limited carries the same 3.6-litre V6 engine as the Gladiator Rubicon, which delivers 210kW/344Nm to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.It carries a 10.1-inch multimedia display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, LED lighting, a power tailgate and a comprehensive list of advanced safety features.The significant discounts across the Jeep line-up come as the brand struggles on the sales charts.Jeep has offloaded just 711 cars to date this April, a decline of 24.4 per cent on this time last year’s figures.

Many so-called “all-new” models aren’t all that new. In fact, a sizeable chunk are reskinned versions of what came before, with fresh sheetmetal over the same general hard points.

At the start of 2024 we asked the question ‘is Jeep lost?’ and the answer has categorically come back in the affirmative. The American brand is, to put it bluntly, in trouble and there doesn’t appear to be an obvious solution.

Another year of new-model launches is behind us, and 2024 has been another doozy.While this past year is notable for the number of models that were scheduled for launch but still haven’t arrived, there were some big names making big waves.Throughout the year I have driven some cars that truly surprised me, and others that were real let-downs. But for this article I am solely focusing on the good ones, because why would I want to end the year on a negative note?For clarity, our various CarsGuide ‘top cars’ articles are focused on vehicles that brought each individual journalist the most joy this year. That doesn’t necessarily mean the model launched in the past 12 months — we might have only had the chance to drive them in that period.Following last year’s list, my 2024 best of is a mix of some possibly obvious choices, and some that are perhaps a bit more left of field.Let’s not waste any more time. Here are the cars I loved most in 2024, in alphabetical order.In September, I drove the updated 2025 Audi e-tron GT on home turf in Germany, not far from Frankfurt and stopping off for the night in Heilbronn, where the vehicle is produced.I hadn’t driven the pre-facelift model but heard good things, notably from my colleague Tom White. I have driven a number of grades of the mechanically related Porsche Taycan, and while I have great affection for that car, I fell deeply in love with the Audi.Where the Porsche is a more focussed sports car, the Audi is more of a grand tourer. It still has breathtaking performance, but it offers a level of comfort that surprises.Beyond its phenomenal on-road performance, the e-tron GT is superbly designed and has a striking and inviting interior.I’ll leave you with the second-last line from my Audi e-tron GT review to summarise;“The e-tron GT is one of the most deeply impressive cars I have ever driven.”Including a new Mustang on a best-of list? I know, groundbreaking, right?But this car had to be on my list.The new-gen Ford Mustang is based on old underpinnings but honestly, I don’t care. I’m just thrilled that Ford can still build this car in the age of electrification.I spent a week with a Mustang GT Convertible, which is only offered in auto guise. I am still yet to drive a manual Mustang, but, again, I don’t care. The 10-speed auto is a brilliant match for the delicious 345kW/550Nm 5.0-litre V8.I am not really a V8 guy these days, and I am not a fan of obnoxiously loud engines, but man it was fun to scare the neighbours with an overzealous rev or two.The interior is much better than the previous Mustang and while it’s not perfect (what is with the pretend old-school handbrake?) I loved every second I had with this car.I drove the Jeep Avenger EV in Italy a few months back and, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting much given some of Jeep’s current crop of models leave me cold.But it turns out there is something so charming about Jeep’s first electric vehicle that it was one of the first cars to make it onto my list this year.The exterior design is simple yet edgy, and while it has a distinct Jeep flavour it’s very modern. The thoughtful Jeepisms like the plastic bootlip to avoid scratching the paint when loading a bike in the back, or setback headlights to mitigate against damage in a collision just add to the charm of the little SUV.It’s no sports car but it is brisk, comfortable and — importantly — engaging to drive. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel again.There’s a reason the Jeep Avenger won European Car of the Year. It’s an adorable, capable and functional city EV. Before you put a deposit down on one of the many affordable small EVs hitting the market, go check out the Avenger. It’s the coolest Jeep I’ve ever driven.The Polestar 4 is the EV brand’s first medium SUV and it follows the larger and pricier Polestar 3 SUV to market. But there are big differences between the two models.This is a Tesla Model Y rival, but it is much more premium than Tesla can manage. It’s also a lot more interesting.A striking exterior design lures you in before you realise something’s missing — a rear windscreen. Instead, it has a camera with vision displayed on a digital screen where the interior rear-view mirror goes.Despite this feature being tech for tech’s sake, the Polestar 4 is seriously impressive.It has excellent real-world driving range, a serious focus on sustainability, a spacious and gorgeously designed interior, and the exact same standard features list in both the Single Motor and Dual Motor grades. The only caveat there is that there are a lot of options and option packs that can push the price out.But if you’re tech savvy, value good design and a genuine focus on sustainability, the Polestar 4 is hard to beat.As someone who grew up obsessing over cars and has been in automotive media for more than 12 years, I did not see this coming.But I am here to tell you, dear reader, the new ninth-generation Toyota Camry is that good!It’s easy to dismiss the Camry as the Uber driver’s car of choice, or the sort of vehicle your grandpa drives, but after a week behind the wheel of the SL grade I am convinced it’s one of the best cars released this year.The hybrid powertrain (there’s no petrol-only grades anymore) is smoother than before, it’s still incredibly efficient and it has the best ride quality of any car I have driven this year. In even more surprising news, it’s actually pretty fun to drive on twisty roads as well.Of course the cabin is spacious and there’s plenty of room for cargo too.This is truly all the family car most people will need. Forget the dreary reputation of Camrys past. Because this big sedan has got its mojo back.Hyundai Santa Fe - Well isn’t this a bold new look? While it might be too bold for some, the new-gen Santa Fe improves on what was already an excellent family SUV and takes its place at the top of the segment.Lexus LBX - The latest Lexus model is also the smallest, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less premium. The LBX looks sharp, has hot hatch vibes and was one of my clear favourites this year. Bring on the spicy Morizo RR version!Mini Countryman - In its third generation, the Mini Countryman finally grows up into a family friendly small SUV. In a win for value for money, the entry-level petrol grades are just as compelling as the higher-end EV variants.Peugeot 408 - A cousin to the Citroen C5 X (RIP Citroen), the 408 is plug-in hybrid only and one of the most striking cars to launch this year. It ain’t cheap but it’s a joy to drive and it offers buyers a sleek European alternative to all of the generic small SUVs.Renault Megane E-Tech - I have only just driven this spunky French EV but I am already in love. Stunning exterior design, a surprisingly spacious interior and keener pricing combine with a joyful drive experience. Renault is on the march, finally!

ANCAP has released a raft of new scores for eight new models which have landed in Australia this year, with some notable new entrants falling short of the maximum five-star rating.

There’s few worse feelings than buying a new car and then finding out it’s now cheaper. Not only do you feel like you’ve been swindled but it only hurts your depreciation even more than normal.

Jeep has slashed the price of its compact Avenger SUV – the brand’s first-ever battery electric vehicle – ahead of its Australian launch.

Jeep's first EV is here to Avenge now lost small SUVs from its past like the Renegade it replaces. But does it have the right ingredients to shake the MG ZS EV?

The Jeep Avenger is, by far, the most important model the American brand will release in a long time - potentially ever.