Three new automobiles including Fiat Renegade, the SUV from Fiat, BMW M2, the coupe from BMW and Volkswagen Passat, the sedan from VW were launched in Australia.
The Fiat Renegade, the Fiat-based SUV which is a big hit in other countries will be available in Australia starting at $29,500 for the basic Renegade Sport manual and going up to $41,500 for the top-spec Trailhawk. The Renegade comes in four models, namely, Longitude, Trailhawk, Sport and Limited.
While the standard specifications are more or less the same for all the models, the high-end models are packed with added features. The base Sport model comes with a simple 5-inch color-display infotainment system, reversing camera, cruise control and cloth upholstery. The second-level Longitude model has additional features such as dual-zone climate control, blind sport monitoring and rear parking sensors.
The next higher model, the Limited, comes with more features including a 9-speaker audio system, integrated satellite navigation, heated steering wheel and heated front seats, bi-xenon headlamps and leather upholstery. The top-spec Trailhawk also has Jeep Selec-Terrain with Active Drive Low, hill descent control and Trailhawk-branded leather upholstery.
BMW launched its M2 coupe featuring the popular fattened profile and scintillating performance. It features a 3L in-line 6-cylinder engine linked to M TwinPower turbo technology to deliver an output of 272kW at 6500 rpm.
Peak torque is 465Nm and with the help of an overboost function, this number can go up to 500 Nm. The M2 with its excellent cornering and acceleration abilities is expected to take Australia by storm with its 4.3 seconds sprint to go from 0-100km/h.
Volkswagen launched its highly valued Passat with engines that deliver enhanced power, more safety equipment and increased number of standard equipment all at a starting price which is $4,000 lower than the outgoing model. The body profile is more masculine and the interiors are simple and yet elegantly designed.
The new Passat is constructed on the company’s modular MQB platform and is more efficient and lighter than the previous model. The Passat will be available in one petrol (one 1.8L turbocharged with 132kW/250Nm) and one diesel (2L turbocharged with 140kW/400Nm) variant.
