Jeep Sets Compass Bearing South to Mzansi
The all-new Jeep Compass enters South Africa’s C-SUV market, blending iconic Jeep DNA with cutting-edge technology, rugged capability, and electrified versatility. Unveiled in Italy and crafted at Stellantis’ Melfi plant, this adventure-ready compact SUV captivates with its distinctive design, advanced powertrains, and premium features tailored for both urban streets and untamed trails.
Built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, the Compass balances compact dimensions (4.55 m) with enhanced interior space, offering more legroom, and more boot space, including a 34-litre front storage compartment. Its iconic seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and rugged cladding honour Jeep’s heritage while ensuring off-road prowess. Available in six evocative colours inspired by global landscapes – like the vibrant Hawaii green – the Compass exudes bold character.
Powertrain options cater to diverse needs: a 108 kW, 48V e-Hybrid, a 145 kW plug-in hybrid, and three battery-electric vehicle (BEV) variants, including a potent 279 kW all-wheel-drive model with a 650 km range. The BEV’s new rear electric motor delivers 232 Nm, translating to 3,100 Nm at the rear wheels via a 14:1 reducer, enabling a 20% slope climb even with zero front traction. Rapid 160 kW DC charging (20-80% in 30 minutes) and a 10% improved aerodynamic efficiency (CX below 0.3) position it as a potential leader in electrified performance in its class. Off-road, the Compass excels with up to 200 mm ground clearance, a 470 mm water-fording depth, and Selec-Terrain across all models. All-wheel-drive versions offer enhanced angles (27° approach, 16° breakover, 31° departure) and hill descent control for tackling tough terrains.
Inside, the Compass elevates comfort and tech with a standard 10″ cluster, 16″ infotainment screen, and over-the-air updates. Level 2 autonomous driving, a 360° protection system, and premium features like matrix LED headlights and a hands-free tailgate ensure safety and convenience. The First Edition, available now with 108 kW e-Hybrid or 159 kW BEV powertrains, adds 20″ wheels, heated seats, and advanced driver aids for a bold market entry.
With Jeep’s European sales soaring – 132,000 units in 2024 and a 1.1% market share in early 2025 – the Compass, depending on local pricing, could well dominate locally. Deliveries begin Q4 2025, promising South African adventurers a versatile and capable, electrified SUV.
Jaguar Type 00 Stuns with Electric Elegance
Jaguar’s audacious Type 00 concept electrified Monaco’s Côte d’Azur, unveiled on a bespoke floating terrace against the Mediterranean’s shimmering backdrop. This dramatic debut, timed to coincide with the Formula E race weekend, showcased Jaguar’s bold vision for luxury electric motoring. Following its viral Paris Fashion Week appearance, the Type 00 continues to captivate with its fearless design.
Draped in French Ultramarine – a bespoke, satin-finished hue infused with metallic pigment – the Type 00’s monolithic silhouette and exuberant proportions redefine Jaguar’s aesthetic. Its long bonnet, sweeping roofline, and 23″ alloy wheels evoke classic grand tourer elegance while embracing a futuristic, zero-emission vision. The concept, built on the Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), previews a four-door GT set for a late 2025 reveal, promising a 770 km range and 321 km of charge in just 15 minutes.
Rawdon Glover, Jaguar’s Managing Director, hailed Monaco as the perfect stage to highlight the brand’s transformation, rooted in Sir William Lyons’ “Copy Nothing” philosophy. The Type 00, first unveiled at Miami Art Week in 2024, embodies this ethos with its avant-garde style, blending brutalist aesthetics with feline grace. As Jaguar gears up for an all-electric future, the Type 00 signals a daring new chapter, set to inspire a family of EVs that defy convention.
Range Rover Conquers Arctic with Refined Power
Are we there yet? Soon. Very soon!
The Range Rover Electric is in the process of redefining luxury SUV performance, proving its mettle during rigorous winter testing in Sweden’s Arctic Circle. Completing its second season in sub-zero conditions, the electric prototype endured 72,420 km of trials across frozen lakes and rugged tracks, showcasing peerless capability and refinement true to Range Rover’s heritage.
At the heart of its Arctic supremacy is the innovative ThermAssist technology, which slashes heating energy use by up to 40% and recovers heat to warm the cabin or propulsion system in temperatures as low as -10°C. This ensures an optimised range and preserved charging performance, maintaining a cosseting cabin despite the chill. The in-house 117 kWh, 800V battery, with 344 prismatic cells in a double-stacked layout, delivers exceptional energy density and rapid charging, promising effortless performance.
Single-pedal driving elevates the experience, seamlessly integrating with Terrain Response to stop the vehicle and engage Hill Hold on extreme 28° and 17° inclines without needing to touch the brakes. The switchable twin-chamber air suspension and enhanced torsional stiffness ensure composed handling, balancing the electric powertrain’s unique weight distribution. All-wheel-drive technology, paired with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, adjusts torque in 50 milliseconds, offering superior traction control – up to 100 times faster than internal combustion equivalents.
With over 50 years of innovation, the Range Rover Electric blends all-terrain prowess with serene refinement. As testing continues ahead of client reservations, this electric luxury SUV promises to deliver unmatched capability and sophistication for South Africa’s discerning drivers.
