Latest news with #StellantisSouthAfrica
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
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Citroën C3 dons working gloves with incoming Hola panel van
Citroën's rival for the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo, Mahindra XUV 3X0 Xprez and Renault Triber Express will have a stipulated price of below R250 000. C3 Feel has been unveiled as Citroën's answer to the Nissan Magnite Move and Hyundai Grand i10 Cargo. Images: Charl Bosch Officially the entry-level brand within Stellantis South Africa's product portfolio, Citroën used its parent company's Media Connect event at Montecasino in Johannesburg on Wednesday (9 July) to unveil its imminent arrival in the ever-growing car-based commercial vehicle sector. What has changed? Still to be formally launched, but showcased as a type of preview, the Hola panel van utilises the base-spec C3 Plus as its base, with the rear seats removed and replaced by a rubberised flat loading surface. ALSO READ: Citroën C3's affordable price tag a sight for sore eyes Additionally, fitted with protection bars behind the sealed rear windows, the Hola features a honeycomb partition between the front seats and the loading area, as well as a fire extinguisher located underneath the passenger's seat. Same engine and spec Otherwise identical to the regular C3, the Hola has a claimed payload of 386 kg and will come fitted as standard with the same level specification as the Plus, namely the 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-inch steel wheels and the seven-inch digital instrument cluster. Interior and spec carries over from the entry-level C3 Feel Electric front windows, air conditioning, six airbags, central locking and ABS, as well as EBD, complete the list of features. A rubberised flat surface replaces the rear seats, with the claimed payload being 386 kg Up front, the normally aspirated 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine has been retained with outputs of 60kW/115Nm. As ever, drive is routed to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox. Price Resplendent with the same 180 mm of ground clearance as the normal C3, the Hola will make its formal market arrival before year-end at an anticipated starting price of below R250 000. Compared to the regular C3 Feel, the Hola has obscured windows with protection bars inside. Set to rival the Nissan Magnite Move, Hyundai Grand i10 and Venue Cargo, Mahindra XUV 3X0 Xprez and Renault Kiger and Triber Express among others, the C3 Hola's sticker price will include a five-year/100 000 km warranty as standard, with a service plan being an optional extra. NOW READ: Citroën adds boost to C3 range with new flagship turbo automatic
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Stellantis revises Peugeot Landtrek bakkie plant plans in response to evolving market trends
The earthworks for the Stellantis Kouga manufacturing plant have been completed but the original plan has been adapted. Despite the bleak economic outlook, trade wars, and general gloom currently gripping South Africa, Stellantis is forging ahead with its plans to build a plant in the Kouga region. Speaking at a Stellantis Media Connect event in Johannesburg, CEO of Stellantis South Africa and Managing Director for Stellantis Sub-Saharan Africa, Mike Whitfield, said the plans have changed slightly, but the earthworks have been completed. Plans changed 'Our original plans have changed slightly as we adapt to the incredible disruption that we're not only seeing in the global market, but the local market as well. 'Previously, the plan was to produce 50 000 Peugeot Landtrek bakkies per year for export into Africa and the Middle East. 'But as we've all seen, the dynamics of the pickup sector have changed significantly, with many new one-ton players entering the local space.' Whitfield pointed to the disruption in the market, especially from Chinese manufacturers. 'Only 34% of vehicles made in this country are sold here. 'We are obviously aware of the big challenge coming from vehicles that are made in India and China, and, indeed, the Chinese share of the market has grown significantly from 0.7% in 2018 to 12.9%. "These are not things you can ignore, and you need to adapt and address that as you go forward." From the original plan of producing only the Landtrek one-ton bakkies, they have now included two more production lines. 'One will be a new energy vehicle, and one I can't say anything about at the moment, but the Landtrek will remain the core product in the factory.'
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Approved: All-new Opel Grandland on its way to South Africa
Local range is yet to be finalised and unlike Europe, will either be a combustion engine-only affair, or have the option of at least a plug-in hybrid. Stellantis South Africa has given the greenlight for the Opel Grandland to be sold locally. Image: Opel An uncertainty until now, Stellantis South Africa has announced that the second generation Opel Grandland will become a market reality in July this year. A first for South Africa Unveiled last year in Europe by the Blitz and then later by UK sister brand Vauxhall, the Grandland will become the conglomerate's first model to have the STLA platform on local soil, in this case, the STLA Medium. ALSO READ: Early debut: Electrically assisted all-new Opel Grandland revealed Measuring 4 650 mm long, 1 905 mm wide and 1 660 mm, the platform translates to a wheelbase length of 2 784 mm, with the knock-off being 1 641-litres of boot space with the rear seats folded flat. EV or hybrid Still providing seating for the five, the Grandland shares its powertrains and platform with the Peugeot 5008, although it present, it remains unknown as to whether any will become available in South Africa. In Europe, the stalwart three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech turbo-petrol remains the base engine option, but with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system included, and connected to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Producing 100kW/230Nm, the electric setup develops 28kW/55Nm on its own and, as with the previous Grandland, goes to the front wheels only. Grandland has a choice of combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains in Europe, however, options for South Africa are still under wraps. Image: Opel The only other petrol variant comes in the from of the plug-in hybrid, which combines the equally long serving four-cylinder 1.6-litre PureTech turbo with a 17.9-kWh battery pack. Paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the system develops a combined 195kW/350Nm Opel says will lead to a top speed of 220 km/h. The claimed all-electric range is 87 km and, with the combustion engine included, a claimed 897 km. On the electric side, the Grandland has two sized battery packs; a 73-kWh and an 83-kWh, both developing 157kW/343Nm. Respective ranges are 365 km and 410 km. Notable spec In terms of specification, the Grandland receives Opel's latest Pure Panel consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch or 16-inch infotainment system, Head-Up Display, a wireless smartphone charger hidden behind an illuminated translucid glass panel called the Pixel Box, massaging front seats and the latest Matrix IntelliLux LED headlights. Styled to resemble the Astra, the interior's centrepiece is the latest Pure Panel pair of displays. Image: Opel Taking care of safety is Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking, Park Assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. What South Africa should expect Priced from €36 100 (R746 104) in Germany where two trim levels are offered, Edition and sporty GS, the Grandland's South African line-up remains unknown, though it its likely that the mentioned grades will be offered as they do on the Mokka. While not expected to offer any of the electric variants, unconfirmed speculation suggests Opel could opt for a non-electrified version of the 1.2-litre PureTech, or perhaps introduce the plug-in hybrid as its first ever electrified vehicle in South Africa. As mentioned though, this is purely speculative and as such, more information will only become available within the coming weeks. ALSO READ: Next Opel Grandland debuting in 2025 minus combustion power
