Latest news with #JanusJansevanRensburg
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Jeep reveals plans for 2026 including three ‘under study' models
Quiet start to the new year could turn busy should the trio of new models receive sales approval. Stellantis South Africa has confirmed plans of making three new Jeep models available currently defined as being 'under study'. In announcing its plans for 2026, the divisional head of the conglomerate's so-called premium brands comprising Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Leapmotor, Janus Janse van Rensburg, said the mentioned products include not only the Avenger and new Compass, but also the electric Recon due for unveiling soon. At the same time, Janse van Rensburg told the media at Stellantis' annual Media Connect event in Johannesburg last week that more revisions will be applied to the Wrangler and Gladiator in the first quarter of next year. Wrangler Based on the facelift Wrangler that become available in South Africa earlier this year, the added improvements, in accordance with those of the US variant, will consist of a revised colour palette involving a new orange hue called Joose. Under study, and therefore yet to be formally approved, the combination of the stalwart normally aspirated 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine an eight-speed automatic gearbox looks set to make a surprise return after being dropped for the current 2.0-litre Hurricane turbo-petrol with the same 'box. NOW READ: Jeep Wrangler's new turbo engine helps it keep up with the times Likely as a result of increased demand in the United States, where the V6 had been mated solely to a six-speed manual, the setup will possibly yield the same 213kW/353Nm outputs as the pre-facelift Wrangler, although as mentioned, final approval still needs to be made. The biggest surprise though is that consideration is also being given in bringing the Wrangler 392 to South Africa after the recent resumption of Hemi V8 engine production. V8-engine Wrangler 392 is under study for South Africa. Image: Jeep Supposedly phased-out after the debut of the farewell Last Edition 12 months ago, the most powerful production Wrangler ever made keeps hold of the 392 cubic inch or 6.4-litre normally aspirated V8 outputting 350kW/637Nm. First shown five years ago, the 392 will get from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, and receive the same interior updates as the standard Wrangler without any dynamic or chassis alterations. Special Willys Edition Wrangler could revive the two-door bodystyle. Image: Jeep As mentioned, both the V6 and Wrangler 392 are still under study, as is the third variant, the limited run Willys that pays homage to the original Willys Jeep. Unlike the rest of the Wrangler range offered solely in four-door Unlimited guise, the Willys will, suggestively, herald the return of the two-door bodystyle should approval be given. Gladiator Joining its sibling in arriving next year, the updated Gladiator, which premiered at the end of 2023 in the States, will introduce the same exterior changes, as well as the significantly redesigned interior comprising new air vents, type-C USB ports, improved materials and the new 12.3-inch Uconnect infotainment system. Facelift Gladiator will finally debut in the first quarter of 2026. Image: Jeep Compared to the Wrangler, the local-market Gladiator is set to continue with the Pentastar V6 and eight-speed auto 'box combination as the Hurricane unit cannot be specified in any market. Locally, this is likely to mean the same outputs of 209kW/347Nm. In the pipeline Of the mentioned under study models, the Avenger takes prominence as it had been an on-again, off-again entity for South Africa ever since its world debut two years ago. Long rumoured Avenger has taken another step towards becoming a reality. Image: Jeep Although originally motivated by an electric powerplant, the arrival of a mild-hybrid soon after its launch effectively opened the door for local market availability, though it stands to reason that the 48-volt system could well be omitted should sales commence. In Europe, the setup develops 74kW/205Nm using the familiar 1.2-litre three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine in combination with the belt starter/generator, and a six-speed manual gearbox only. Launched two months ago, the third generation Compass will expectedly fill slot-in above the Avenger in becoming Jeep's eventual flagship. Stellantis has confirmed the new Compass as being under study for the local market. Image: Jeep Set to fill the position soon to be left vacant by the outgoing Grand Cherokee, the Compass also offers a choice of hybrid and electric powertrains, though again, only the former will be earmarked for South Africa in the event of it getting approval. Ruled-out At the other end of the scale, details about the Recon remain unknown, while plans for launching the Meridian, known as the Commander in Brazil, have seemingly been shelved. An uncertainty, for now, is the incoming all-new Cherokee, while the range-topping Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are definitive no-no's due to production being left-hand-drive only. NOW READ: WATCH: Jeep Gladiator puts up a fight like no other bakkie
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Alfa Romeo Junior previewed as part of imminent range reshuffling
An official launch date for both the Junior and revised Tonale wasn't announced. The Alfa Romeo Junior will become available locally before year-end. Picture: Charl Bosch Showcased at an Alfa Romeo enthusiasts event in March, Stellantis South Africa used its Media Connect event in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 9 July, to not only formally unveil the all-new Alfa Romeo Junior, but also a pending restructured product range. Range overhaul The Junior will commence Alfa Romeo's line-up currently fronted by Tonale. ALSO READ: Junior on its way as teasers start for Alfa Romeo's smallest SUV While the Giulia and Stelvio and will retain their respective Veloce and Quadrifoglio variants until the arrival of the next generations in 2026 and 2027, the Junior's introduction will come with an overlapping of the Tonale as a result of the latter undergoing a powertrain revision. Goodbye mild-hybrid Tonale According to Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Leapmotor divisional boss, Janus Janse van Rensburg, the update will involve the current mild-hybrid Tonale being replaced by the all-wheel drive Q4 variant once stock runs out. The result is that the much lamented electrified 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine will make way for the Brazilian-made 1.3 litre turbocharged Firefly unit combined with an 15.5kWh battery pack powering a single 70kW electric motor. Facelift Alfa Romeo will eschew the extensively panned mild-hybrid powertrain. Picture: Alfa Romeo A configuration that will result in the Tonale becoming a plug-in hybrid, the combination develops 206 kW, allowing for a claimed all-electric range of up to 80 km, and 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds versus the mild-hybrid's 8.8 seconds. Shown in facelift guise last year, the Tonale Q4 also sees the departure of the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox in favour of a hybrid specific six-speed torque converter automatic. Still listed in mild-hybrid form priced at R811 899 for the entry-level Ti and at R895 129 for the top-spec Veloce, exact details regarding the Q4's availability wasn't revealed, though an official announcement is anticipated before year-end. Junior arriving soon In revealing the Junior, whose name had to be changed from Milano less than 24 hours after its global unveiling due to backlash from the Italian government, Stellantis also confirmed that the local line-up will comprise the same mild-hybrid and electric powerunits as in Europe. For the former, this involves the familiar 1.2 litre three-cylinder PureTech turbocharged petrol engine being combined with a 48 volt electrical system, plus a 21kW electric motor housed within the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Junior will go on-sale as either a mild-hybrid or full EV. Picture: Charl Bosch For South Africa, though, combined power outputs will be increased from 100kW to 115kW, but without the Q4 system as drive will go to the front wheels only. Shown in Veloce spec at the event, the all-electric Junior will be a first for Alfa Romeo in South Africa. Flagship Veloce will make exclusive use of an electric powerplant. Picture: Charl Bosch As on the Old Continent, the electric Junior remains front-wheel-drive, but in Veloce spec, with outputs of 207kW/345Nm from the 54kWh battery pack. Accordingly, the Junior Veloce will get from 0-100km/h in six seconds and require a 30 minute wait from 20-80% using a DC fast charger up to 100 kW. The claimed range is 346km. Alfa Romeo specific changes have taken place inside where the overall design is otherwise similar to the Opel Mokka. Picture: Charl Bosch Riding on the same electrified e-CMP platform as the Opel Mokka Electric, Fiat 600e, Abarth 600e and Jeep Avenger, the Junior measures 4 170mm long, 1 500mm tall and 1 780mm wide with its wheelbase stretching 2 550mm. While local specification is still to be determined, the Junior was spotted with Alfa Romeo's new 10.25-inch infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and, being the Veloce, Sabelt sport seats trimmed in Alcantara. Stay tuned Besides specification, no details regarding pricing of the Junior is known, however, expect a possible announcement, as with the Tonale, to be made before year-end. NOW READ: Alfa Romeo Milano makes dramatic return as hybrid or electric SUV
The Citizen
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Jeep Grand Cherokee puts on SVI's AK47 protective suit
Approved by Jeep parent company Stellantis, the 'flagship" B4+ package can only be had on the "normal" Grand Cherokee. Jeep Grand Cherokee has now been furnished with the SVI armour. Picture: SVI SVI Engineering, South Africa's specialist armoured vehicle firm, has partnered with Stellantis South Africa to create a discreetly armoured version of the five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee that boasts AK47 protection. 'As our global flagship model and the most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4×4-capable Grand Cherokee yet, the fifth generation version of this celebrated SUV now stands apart for yet another reason: the local availability of expertly engineered ballistic protection,' said Jeep brand head, Janus Janse van Rensburg. B4+ protection The bespoke armouring package offers B4+ protection, meaning it is rated to withstand attacks from handguns as well as AK47s. The package is completely concealed and therefore imperceptible to the untrained eye. Comprising custom-fabricated armoured steel plates, lightweight composite materials and special 32 mm ballistic glass, the B4+ solution for the Grand Cherokee was developed by SVI's team of highly experienced engineers. ALSO READ: Five-seats the charm for new Jeep Grand Cherokee 'While standard B4 packages are relatively popular in South Africa as anti-hijack solutions, our collaboration with Jeep goes a step further, culminating in a bespoke B4+ package for the Grand Cherokee that offers protection against higher ballistic threats,' said Jaco de Kock, Chief Executive Officer of the SVI Group of Companies. In addition to the concealed body armour and ballistic glass, the B4+ conversion incorporates partial firewall protection and an armoured rear bulkhead – the latter complete with an integrated escape hatch – behind the second row of seats. No power change In total, the armouring materials add 400 kg to the Grand Cherokee's weight, though up front, the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine remains unchanged with outputs of 210kW/344nm. The same also applies to the eight-speed automatic transmission. Interior hasn't changed from the standard Grand Cherokee on first glance, until the windows are lowered. Picture: SVI In addition, the Grand Cherokee's various driver assistance safety systems remain fully operational. The driver's window, meanwhile, can be lowered approximately one third of the way down. How much? SVI's B4+ armouring solution for the Grand Cherokee is priced from R1 236 814. The more discreet B4 package, which protects against weapons up to a .44 Magnum, is also available from R833 684 and can additionally be fitted to the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L. B4+ package cab only be had on the five-seat Grand Cherokee. Picture: SVI The list of options for each solution includes roof and floor armour, a PA system and heavy-duty run-flat tyres. The project build time is set at approximately three months in each case. Interest buyers can contact, Nicol Louw at nicol@ or on 072 664 3539. Further information can be obtained at NOW READ: Jeep Grand Cherokee facing the axe as RHD production ends
