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2019 Jeep Renegade Limited and Trailhawk revealed with updated styling

A few weeks back, we got our first glimpse of the refreshed 2019 Jeep Renegade. The Italian-built compact crossover is currently the smallest model in Jeep's lineup. Details were scarce, but we now have some new info on the European-spec model as well as a whole batch of photos of both the Renegade Limited and Renegade Trailhawk. Visually, both the Limited and Trailhawk models get revised front fascias with dark LED and Xenon lighting that mimics the new Jeep Wrangler JL. The Limited's bumper includes more body-color panels with new turn signals, fog lights and a lower air intake. Outside of the new lighting, the only real change to the front of the Trailhawk is the lack of a bright red front tow hook. In the rear, both models get new taillights, though the bumpers appear to be the same. The Renegade Limited now comes with 19-inch wheels. The Renegade now has new gasoline and diesel engines, though it's unclear which — if any — will make it to the U.S. market. There's a 1.0-liter turbo inline-three that makes 120 horsepower, a 1.3-liter turbo inline-four that makes either 150 or 180 horsepower. That makes it as powerful as the 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four that's currently available. The 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter turbo diesel engines — not available in the U.S. — both get updated European emissions equipment. There are three transmissions: a six-speed manual, a six-speed dry dual-clutch and a nine-speed auto. The Renegade is still available with both front- and four-wheel drive. There are two four-wheel drive systems, with one slightly more sophisticated system reserved for the Trailhawk. Other carryovers include the removable My Sky roof panels and most of the interior. The Renegade also gets the latest version of FCA's UConnect infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pricing hasn't been announced, but look for U.S.-specific details sometime later this summer. Related Video:

Chrysler recalls 350k vehicles over ignition switches

Chrysler has announced a recall covering 349,442 vehicles due to ignition switches that can either become stuck or move without warning. All of the affected vehicles are from the 2008 model year, and were built before May 12, 2008.
The automaker has learned that ignition keys on some vehicles "may not fully return to the 'ON' position after rotation to the 'START' position during engine-startup," the company said in a statement. Additionally, "an ignition key may not fully return to the 'ON' position after rotation to the 'START' position and may inadvertently move through the 'ON' position to 'ACCESSORY' or 'OFF.'"
Chrysler says it is unaware of any related injuries, and notes that while reduced braking, engine or steering power is possible in such instances, the airbags are not affected. The later stands in contrast to General Motors' recent rash of high-profile recalls, and it's an important distinction that Chrysler (understandably) felt necessary to call out in bold print in its press release.

Ram and Jeep diesel emissions allegations spur class action lawsuits

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Last week, the EPA issued a notice of violation to FCA after it determined that Jeep and Ram installed eight undisclosed auxiliary emissions control devices on diesel vehicles. Since then US law firm Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC and Canadian firm Sotos LLP have launched class action suits on behalf of owners. These latest lawsuits are unrelated to a previous class action suit brought against FCA and Cummins over NOx emissions in 2007 to 2012 Ram models. The violation notice – and the subsequent lawsuits – covers 2014 to 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, a total of about 104,000 vehicles in the US. The EPA says that while the emissions control devices aren't necessarily illegal, installing them without disclosing them to the EPA is, as they produce more emissions in real world use than in testing. Skirting certification in this way might be a violation of the Clean Air Act. FCA could see fines of up to $45,000 per vehicle, depending on the outcome of the EPA investigation. FCA denies that these are cheat devices, and has proposed software updates to bring the vehicles into compliance. As for the lawsuits, Heninger Garrison Davis says that "Fiat Chrysler marketed those vehicles as environmentally friendly with enhanced fuel efficiency, better performance, and lower emissions. Although the diesel vehicles were successfully marketed as 'clean,' their environmentally-friendly representations were deceptive to consumers." The suit seeks an undisclosed amount of compensation for owners of these vehicles. In Canada, Sotos LLP is seeking $250 million in damages on behalf of owners. This suit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, also claims deception on the part of FCA, "resulting in losses and damage" to owners. These are similar claims to group actions against Volkswagen with regard to its diesel emissions cheating scandal. While VW is fixing or buying back many of the affected vehicles, the company is defending itself against some suits on behalf of owners, saying it expects " no decline in the residual values of the affected vehicles as a result of this issue." Don't be surprised if FCA mounts a similar defense.