Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014 News

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published its latest round of safety recalls, with models from Ford, Mazda, BMW, Kia, Audi, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Lamborghini affected.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced its latest round of safety recall notices, with models from Nissan, Jeep, Ford, Mazda, Infiniti and Citroen affected.

Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has slapped Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US with a Clean Air Act violation notice after discovering emissions-altering software in some 3.0-litre engines

More than 47,000 cars recalled nationally to install software designed to minimise risk of cars rolling away if not parked properly.

Cars will soon have technology that will notify the dealer when something is wrong, and then check itself in to get fixed.Car companies are in a technology race to take the grime and uncertainty out of vehicle servicing -- and lure customers back to dealerships. Ford has begun distributing more than 1000 iPads across its network of 200 dealers nationally, to streamline the service check-in process by emailing owners a fixed quote before they hand over the keys. But Chrysler-Jeep plans to take the process one step further, and have the car diagnose itself and make an appointment on your behalf. The company already has more than 1 million cars on US roads that self-diagnose any problems and alert the driver that a service is required. More than a simple service reminder, or an engine warning light, the system operates over a built-in wifi network that communicates between the vehicle and the dealership. Chrysler-Jeep says in the near future its cars will automatically know what’s wrong with them and when it’s time for a repair beyond a routine service. A unique telematics system means mechanics won't even need to plug a device into the car to find out what’s wrong: simply drive into the service centre driveway and the car will “dock” into the local wifi network and tell the dealer what needs attention on the car. All before the driver has unclipped their seatbelt or handed over the keys.  “When you show up at a service lane in the very near future we’ll be able to, on an iPad device, determine (who) just showed up, the vehicle history, what service it’s ready for, or if it has any fault codes,” says Patrick Dougherty, the newly-appointed boss of Fiat Chrysler Australia. He said the technology was ready in the US today, on vehicles such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, and will be in Australia within a few years. Two years ago Toyota’s luxury division Lexus introduced a similar wifi system at dealerships in the US; it identifies the car and the owner and helps the service check-in process but doesn’t yet diagnose the car. The technology push comes as the industry review continues into how much repair data car makers are prepared to share with independent mechanics. Meanwhile, for those concerned about the protection of their privacy, given that the technology on this and other brands of cars can track where and how the vehicle was driven, much like an aircraft “black box” data recorder, Chrysler-Jeep says “we don’t share the data with anyone else”.

New Blackhawk range adds street cred to Jeep SUV lineup.Jeep has announced new Blackhawk special editions of all existing models aside from the new Cherokee mid-size SUV.Following Jeep's recent local success - ranking among the top ten brands for the first time in September - plus a 40.5 per cent volume gain year-to-date, the new Patriot, Compass, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Blackhawk models add variety to the SUV brand's lineup with a distinctly sinister attitude.In a clear nod to the current aftermarket trend of 'murdered out' black SUVs, Blackhawk models feature black detailing inside and out to replace most chromework, plus black wheels and Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Blackhawks feature bespoke seat trim.Jeep Patriot BlackhawkThe 2.0-litre petrol engined Patriot Blackhawk is based on the entry-spec Patriot Sport model with CVT auto.Jeep is offering the Patriot Blackhawk for $27,500 drive-away, which is actually $200 cheaper than the Patriot Sport’s $27,700 list price before on-road costs.In the Blackhawk, the Jeep signature seven-slot grille, roof rails, 17 inch alloys and badging have a gloss black finish. The rear bumper with step pad share the same body colour as the rest of the vehicle.Inside are heated seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, voice-controlled audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and a leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel.Jeep Compass BlackhawkThe Compass Blackhawk is also based from the entry Sport variant with CVT auto and is being offered at $29,000 drive-away, which is equals the price of the regular Sport CVT without on-road costs.It has the same 2.0-litre petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission as its Sport sibling.The same gloss black external and internal trim changes from the Patriot are also applied to the Compass Blackhawk.Jeep Wrangler BlackhawkThe Wrangler Blackhawk - based on the mid-spec Wrangler Overland - is available in either two or four-door bodystyles at a $2000 premium over their respective 'plain' variants.In the engine bay is the 3.6-litre Pentaster V6 petrol engine and five-speed automatic transmission of the Overland with the same Trail Rated dual-range four-wheel drive system.As with the Compass and Patriot, the Wranger gets a gloss black grille and badging. The Blackhawk hood decals are matte black, just to change it up.In addition, it also sports 18-inch black alloy wheels, tinted windows, three-piece hard top roof, rear window wiper and defroster, as well as a fuel filler cap with black/chrome screws and black gloss hard spare tyre cover. The seats are black leather with accent stitching.In the cabin are heated seats, floor and cargo mats and piano black interior accents on the door handles, dash grab-handles and vent surrounds. The Wrangler's audio system comes with voice control and remote USB port.Jeep Grand Cherokee BlackhawkThe Blackhawk edition of the popular Grand Cherokee is based on the entry Laredo trim level with four-wheel drive. It comes with the same engine choices of 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol or 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, with both coupled to the eight-speed automatic transmission.Like the Wrangler, the Blackhawk Grand Cherokees will cost you $2000 more than the regular models. In keeping with the other Blackhawks, the Grand Cherokee Blackhawk has gloss black 20 inch alloys, badges, grille accents, roof moldings, tinted windows, dual chrome exhaust tips, gunmetal headlight bezels and grey satin tail-light details.The front seats are heated and there is an 8.1-inch touchscreen interface coupled to the Uconnect entertainment system.Jeep Blackhawk Edition pricingPatriot Blackhawk - $27,500 (drive-away)Compass Blackhawk - $29,000 (drive-away)Wrangler Blackhawk - 2-door - $45,000 (list)Wrangler Blackhawk - 4-door - $49,000 (list)Grand Cherokee Blackhawk - 3.6-litre petrol - $50,000 (list)Grand Cherokee Blackhawk - 3.0-litre diesel - $55,000 (list)

New Honda Jazz sets new benchmark for rear view cameras: $14,990.

The New York motor show in April will see the announcement of which vehicle has won the 2014 World COTY, and there looks to be a tough -- and very varied -- field of finalists.Last year's winner was the Volkswagen Golf, which also took awards in pretty well every country on the globe. But this year it could be anything from the little electric BMW i3 to the offroading Jeep Cherokee and even the Citroen C4 peoplemover, judging by the shortlist.A panel of 69 motoring experts from around the world -- including Carsguide's Paul Gover and National Motoring Editor Joshua Dowling -- will choose the winner from: Audi A3, BMW 4 Series, BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Ford Fusion/Mondeo, Infiniti Q50, Jeep Cherokee, Lexus IS, Mazda3, Peugeot 308 and Skoda Octavia.The 10 finalists for the 2014 World Luxury Car are the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW X5, Cadillac ELR, Cadillac Escalade, Maserati Ghibli, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Macan, Range Rover Sport and Rolls-Royce Wraith.Due to a tie, there are 11 finalists for the 2014 World Performance Car: Alfa Romeo 4C, Audi RS 6 Avant, BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ford Fiesta ST, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, Mercedes-Benz A/CLA45 AMG, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche 911 Turbo and Volkswagen Golf GTI.A separate panel of five 'green' experts will choose the 2014 World Green Car from Audi A3 Sportback e-tron (+ Audi e-gas), BMW i3, Honda Accord Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Volkswagen XL1.Similarly, a panel of five design experts will decide on the 2014 World Car Design of the Year, from among: BMW i3, Cadillac CTS, Citroen C4 Picasso, Mazda3, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volkswagen XL1.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

There are exciting new releases planned across the board; from budget hatches to practical SUVs, to exotic supercars. We’ve broken them down into segments and likely price categories to help you. We've based our price estimations on the current market, but some estimations could change in the future, and some model ranges span across price categories, so be sure to check our other stories...New cars for 2014 | less than $20,000New cars for 2014 | $40,000-$59,000New cars for 2014 | $59,000-$100,000New cars for 2014 | over $100,000 LIGHT CARSAlfa-Romeo MiTo: The Mini Cooper-rivalling MiTo hatch is due for a refresh in January. Tweaked styling is expected, along with updated features and sharpened pricing in line with other recent Fiat Chrysler Australia pricetag shuffles. (Approximately 25,000-30,000)Honda City and Jazz: Honda’s slow-selling City compact sedan is due to be replaced by an all-new model in the second quarter of 2014, leading the also-new third-generation Jazz compact hatch which is expected in around June. The new Jazz will benefit from a new dual-clutch auto transmission, and a new hybrid variant is expected to dip well below the current petrol-electric model’s 4.5L/100km combined figure. (Approximately $16,000-23,000)Kia Rio: Also due for a refresh in the third quarter is the Kia Rio light hatch and sedan range, with the stylish model likely to score visual tweaks and value gains to keep up with more recent competition. (Approximately $15,000-22,000)Mini Cooper: Mini will bring the all-new third-generation ‘new Mini’ Cooper to our shores from May, with the entry models using a new 1.5-litre three cylinder turbo petrol or diesel engine, and the hot Cooper S to step up to a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol from the same family The three-door hatch will be the only bodystyle to lob in 2014, with convertible and a new five-door hatch (at least) to follow later. (Approximately $31,000-$46,000)Volkswagen Polo: Volkswagen’s Polo light hatch range is also due for a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of the year, with revised styling, plus efficiency and technology trickle-down from the Mk7 Golf likely. Approximately $17,000-29,000)SMALL CARSAlfa Romeo Giulietta: Following on from its pricing shuffle in 2013, the small Giulietta hatch range also due for a mid-cycle refresh later in 2014. Approximately 24,000-40,000)Hyundai Elantra: Hyundai will revise its Elantra sedan in January, with freshened styling and a new local suspension tune expected to be the main changes. (Approximately $20,990-$30,190)Kia Pro_cee'd GT: Kia will bring the Pro_cee’d GT down under in March, with the new hot hatch set to go head to head with its mechanical sibling the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo. (Approximately $30,000)Kia Soul: Also expected in March is a heavily revised version of the trendy Soul small hatch, with rejigged styling, upgraded underpinnings and petrol and diesel drivetrains. (Approximately $21,000-$30,000)Mazda3: Mazda will renew its assault on the Australian sales charts in January, with the arrival of the new third-generation 3 sedan and hatch models. The new 3 will be available with 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre versions of Mazda’s SkyActiv petrol engine from launch, with diesel versions set to follow later. (Approximately $20,000-35,000)Nissan Pulsar SSS sedan: In the third quarter, Nissan will break with Pulsar SSS tradition by adding a sedan version of the hot turbocharged model, with Mazda’s SP25 sedan its only logical rival. (Approximately $31,000)Peugeot 308: Peugeot’s headline act for 2014 will be the new 308 small hatch, with the lighter and more efficient model arriving before the end of the year to target Volkswagen’s Golf head-on. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Proton Suprima S: Proton will launch the Preve sedan-based Suprima S small hatch in January, in $21,790 (drive away) GX and $26,590 (drive away) GXR spec levels. Available with a CVT auto initially, both versions will use a 103kW/250Nm 1.6 litre petrol turbo. Cheaper $19,790 (GX) and $24,590 (GXR) six –speed manual versions will arrive later in the year. (Approximately $19,790-$24,590)Proton Preve: In the second quarter, ther Malaysian brand will add a five-speed manual version of the Preve GXR sedan, which is expected to undercut the existing CVT auto version by $2000 with a $20,990 drive away pricetag. A more upmarket Preve LE is expected at around the same time, and likely to be priced around the $25,000 mark.Renault Megane: Also due around June is a mid-cycle refresh for the Megane coupe, cabriolet, and wagon models. (Approximately $20,000-$50,000)Skoda Rapid Spaceback: Skoda will introduce the much anticipated Rapid Spaceback in the second quarter, with the new hatch to sit beneath the recently launched Octavia Liftback and wagon. (Approximately from $20,000)Toyota Corolla sedan: Toyota’s grasp on the Australian market is set to be strengthened by the arrival of a sedan version of the new Corolla in February. Both European and US versions of the new sedan have been unveiled, and the Australian model will most closely resemble the European model. (Approximately $20,000-$32,000)Volkswagen Golf wagon: Volkswagen will add a wagon bodystyle to its Mk7 Golf lineup early in 2014, mirroring the hatch with its range of petrol and diesel engines. (Approximately $27,000-37,000)FAMILY CARSFord Falcon: The once-mighty Falcon range is set to undergo its final facelift in the fourth quarter of 2014, ahead of it’s now certain doom in 2016. Minor styling revisions are expected, but the addition of Ford’s SYNC multimedia system and the return of the XR8 V8 model (as FPV is wound up) are likely to be the biggest changes. (Approximately 37,000-56,000)Kia Optima: Kia’s Optima will score a mid-cycle update in January, with revised styling inside and out, along with added features. (Approximately $30,990-$40,490)PEOPLE MOVERSCitroen C4 Grand Picasso: Citroen will replace the long-serving C4 Grand Picasso with an all-new version in the second quarter of 2014. The new model promises to continue as a stylish alternative to other seven-seat people movers with a choice of petrol or diesel drivetrains and will hopefully retain the current model’s sub-$40,000 pricing. (Approximately $37,000-$40,000)Honda Odyssey: An all-new Odyssey eight-seat people mover will follow in February, with fresh styling, improved features and safety and a more efficient drivetrain. (Approximately $35,000-$43,000)Kia Grand Carnival: Later in the year, Kia will replace the segment-champion but ageing Grand Carnival model. Improvements to safety, features, and efficiency are expected, and should be a winner if the smaller new Rondo is anything to go by. (Approximately $39,000-56,000)SUV/4WDFord EcoSport: The Blue Oval’s new EcoSport baby will complete its lineup in February, with the cheaper Trend and Ambiente spec levels joining the top-line Titanium that launched the model in December. (Approximately $20,790-27,790)Honda CR-V diesel: Honda will kick off 2014 by adding the first-ever diesel variant to the local CR-V SUV lineup in January. The 2.2 litre unit produces 110kW/350Nm, and will be available in six-speed manual or five-speed auto with all-wheel drive only. Official fuel consumption is as low as 5.8L/100km. (Approximately $35,000-$45,000)Jeep Cherokee: Jeep’s new more-civilised Cherokee SUV will arrive in the first half of 2014, with a choice of 2.4-litre petrol, 3.2-litre petrol V6, or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. (Approximately $28,000-$37,000)Kia Sportage: During the second quarter, Kia will grace its Sportage medium SUV with a more significant update than the minor revisions made in mid-2013 with the shift to European production. Like Optima, expect fresh interior and exterior styling and new features. (Approximately $25,000-$40,000)Kia Sorento: The final Kia model for 2014 is likely to be a significantly revamped Sorento seven-seat SUV, with a comprehensive design update inside and out to bring it in line with the fresher styling of its Hyundai Santa Fe mechanical twin. (Approximately $38,000-$51,000)Nissan X-Trail: Nissan will replace its hugely successful X-Trail medium SUV in about July, with the bigger design offering seating for seven for the first time, and improved refinement to go with its softened exterior design. (Approximately $30,000-$47,000)Nissan Qashqai: Nissan’s other significant SUV arrival for 2014 will be the Dualis-replacing Qashqai compact SUV, which will arrive in five-seat only guise in the third quarter. (Approximately $26,000-$36,000)Renault Captur: The Renault Captur will arrive mid-year, representing the French brand in the rapidly expanding compact SUV segement. The Clio-based crossover should start in the low $20,000s, and challenge the Trax, Juke, 2008, and EcoSport. (Approximately from $20,000)Skoda Yeti: Skoda’s best-selling Yeti compact SUV is also in line for a mid-cycle refresh in around June, with revised styling and features to bring it in line with the brand’s newer models. (Approximately $26,000-$38,000)Suzuki S-Cross: Suzuki’s SX4-replacing S-Cross will arrive in January, with reduced fuel consumption an increased interior space over the model it supercedes. Like the SX4, the S-Cross will continue with 2WD and AWD options, and will be priced between $22,990 and $34,990.COMMERCIAL VEHICLESFord Transit: Ford’s commercial lineup will receive a boost in January with the arrival of an all-new Transit van model, with the light-duty Transit Custom touching down ahead of the heavy-duty Transit Cargo range in April. (Approximately $36,000-$52,000)Renault Kangoo Maxi crew van: A passenger-carrying Kangoo Maxi crew van is also expected in the second quarter. (Approximately $27,000)