Jeep holds nothing back after 75 years

The final full week of winter has been a quiet period for the Australian automotive industry, according to RedBook, with the launch of Jeep's 75th Anniversary editions probably the most eagerly awaited event in the local market.

As far as altogether new models being launched in Australia during the last seven-day period, only Infiniti's small hatch, the Q30 fills the bill. The Q30, which is priced from $38,900, is based on the Mercedes MFA platform that also underpins Stuttgart's own A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA models.

Other changes during the week included the announcement of drive-away pricing for ASV's converted RAM pick-ups and an upgraded CLA range from Mercedes-Benz.

Additionally, RedBook reports that Peugeot is in the process of upgrading its 308 small-car range. The 2016 model year has arrived in just one variant so far, the 308 Active. Price has risen by $1100 to $27,990. A reversing camera and satellite navigation are now standard.

Skoda has upgraded the Fabia, Rapid and Superb models for 2017. The Fabia has risen in price by $500 for the 66TSI variants (now $16,490 for the hatch, $17,640 for the wagon) and by $800 for the 81TSI ($19,490 for the hatch, $20,640 for the wagon).

Key specification changes for the Fabia are as follows:
– Two paint colours deleted – Moon White & Sprint Yellow,
– Reversing camera and umbrella under front passenger seat now standard for all variants,
– Reverse parking sensors deleted for all variants, now part of an option pack,
– 81TSI standard equipment slightly downgraded to match spec of 61TSI, (steel wheels in lieu of 15-inch alloys, cruise control and front centre armrest with storage compartment now deleted),
– Adaptive cruise (new) is now available as part of an option pack,
– Minor interior trim changes.

The Rapid has risen in price by $200:
81 TSI – $18,190
92TSI – $21,190
81TSI Monte Carlo – $23,190
92TSI Monte Carlo – $25,990

Key specification changes for the Rapid are:
– CD player deleted from all models,
– Various minor interior trim revisions,
– All models gain umbrella under passenger’s seat as standard equipment,
– Reversing camera now available in option packs (Image Pack & Tech Pack).

Prices are unchanged for the Superb. The rear-view mirror inside is now a frameless design, and the ambient LED interior lighting now shines in 10 colours, not the three colours previously available. This feature is optional for the 162TSI and 140TDI variants, standard for the flagship 2016TSI.

Volkswagen has also rolled out 2017 model year specification upgrades and price increases for Jetta, Passat and Toaureg. The Jetta climbs $1000 for the entry-level Trendline and $300 for the Comfortline and Highline grades.

Prices now look like this:
118TSI Trendline manual – $23,990
118TSI Trendline DSG – $26,490
118TSI Comfortline DSG – $30,290
118TSI Highline DSG – $34,290
155TSI Highline Sport DSG – $40,290

Key changes to the Jetta's equipment list includes paint changes – with White Silver introduced, Reflex Silver and Moon Rock Silver deleted – and a frameless design for the interior rear view mirror.

Additionally, the glovebox lock has been deleted and all models except Trendline gain an allergen filter for the climate control system. For the entry-level Jetta Trendline, front/rear parking sensors with optical display, dusk-sensing auto headlights, rain-sensing auto wipers, and auto-dimming interior rear view mirror, are all fitted as standard with the new model year. Volkswagen has deleted the Jetta Trendline's standard alarm.

Prices for the Passat have risen by $500 for the base-grade 132TSI sedan and wagon. All other variants have increased in price by $1500, leaving the pricing adjusted as follows:

132TSI Sedan – $35,490
132TSI Comfortline Sedan – $41,490
140TDI Highline Sedan – $47,490
132TSI Wagon – $37,490
132TSI Comfortline Wagon – $43,490
140TDI Highline Wagon – $49,490
140TDI Alltrack – $50,790

Key specification changes for the Passat include an allergen filter and Air Care mode as standard for the climate control system of all variants. The Air Care mode recirculates cabin air several times through the filter. Luxury and R-Line packs are revised. A new style of 17-inch alloy wheel is specified for the base Passat 132TSI, and Front Assist with City Emergency Brake (forward collision warning and AEB) is now standard.

For the Passat 132TSI Comfortline, Driving Profile Selection (Normal, Sport, Eco, Individual) and 14-way electrically-adjustable front seats are now standard. Passat Highline and Alltrack models also step up to the 14-way adjustable electric front seats, which feature massage and position memory function. The seat memory also retains settings for the exterior mirrors – now with power fold-in, auto dimming (driver’s side only), and auto-tilt when reversing (passenger’s side only).

What's to come
SUV brand Haval will reintroduce the Great Wall LCV brand with the Steed in September.

Kia's quirky Soul is rumoured to be due here before the end of the year, if Kia is serious about keeping the model in its local range.

Tesla's awe-inspiring Model S P100D is on the way, set to reach us in 2017.

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