Four new Jeep SUVs to launch in two years; Venue-Sonet challenger to follow

Datta talked about that the up to date Compass will probably be “fine-tuned” as per the most recent tendencies within the Indian market. So, whereas it would carry ahead its predecessor’s rugged character and 4×4 functionality, that are “a part of the Jeep DNA”, it would even have “all the opposite options that individuals would possibly contemplate”, together with improved connectivity and extra space and storage within the cabin.

The Compass facelift will debut the firm’s UConnect 5 infotainment system on a brand new 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s prone to characteristic built-in Amazon Alexa, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto assist and over-the-air (OTA) replace performance. Will probably be fascinating to see how this stacks up towards choices from MG and Hyundai, which have significantly taken the sport ahead by way of connectivity.

The upcoming Jeep will even up the premium quotient within the cabin, as per the corporate head. The brand new mannequin is anticipated to make use of improved supplies, with a restyled dashboard that includes double-stitched leather-based inserts and brushed aluminium-like trim.

On the powertrain entrance, there will probably be no adjustments. The Compass facelift will proceed with the outgoing mannequin’s 163hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol and 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel mills.

Nonetheless, the variant-wise transmission choices are able to be rejigged. “Prospects used to ask for an computerized on the (entry-level) Sport variant, and they’ll get it this time,” talked about Datta. Earlier, the petrol Compass was accessible with a 7-speed dual-clutch auto on all however the base trim stage, whereas the diesel model acquired a 9-speed torque converter auto on solely the 4×4 variants of the Longitude, Longitude Plus and Restricted Plus trims. 

Going ahead, the American automaker can also be planning higher lifecycle administration of its portfolio and extra frequent product updates – an space the place it has historically lagged, costing it worthwhile market share. “India is an atypical market in case of product reveals. When you can take about three years (for an replace) in different markets, in India, you need to do it much more steadily,” stated Datta. He added that Jeep is making an attempt to attract up “a fast response, medium vary plan and execute it.”

7-seat Jeep SUV (H6) launch subsequent yr

Commenting on increasing Jeep’s India portfolio, Datta stated, “We even have a seven-seat Jeep, which is codenamed the H6. It’s the first, mid-size, three-row, seven-passenger Jeep SUV. It can launch someday in 2022.”

Although the brand new SUV will share its unibody underpinnings with the Compass, Jeep is making an attempt to offer it a definite identification with bespoke styling parts. “This isn’t a Compass. Will probably be a model new SUV, with a model new nameplate within the Jeep secure. Will probably be longer, wider and taller than the Compass and we’ll present prospects all the facility they want,” he stated.

As such, whereas the seven-seat SUV’s 2.0-litre diesel engine will probably be a spinoff of the Compass’ oil burner, it would have a beefier output of 200hp. A 9-speed computerized transmission and all-wheel drive will probably be on supply.

Datta additionally confirmed that the made-in-India seven-seat SUV will probably be exported to worldwide markets as effectively, just like its five-seat counterpart. 

Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee to be regionally assembled

To enhance gross sales volumes of its high-end merchandise, Datta stated that the corporate will probably be “leveraging its native capability as a lot as attainable to extend localised content material.” He clarified, “We will probably be regionally assembling the Jeep Wrangler in Ranjangaon (Pune) and the next-generation Grand Cherokee will even be assembled there.” Each the CKD (utterly knocked down) fashions will hit Indian roads “in lower than two years”.

Jeep had launched the fourth-gen, JL-series Wrangler in India in August 2019 within the Sahara trim, and later expanded the vary to incorporate the top-spec Rubicon variant. Each are powered by a 268hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that sends energy to all 4 wheels by way of an 8-speed torque converter computerized gearbox.

At the moment accessible as a full import, the Jeep Wrangler is priced at Rs 63.94-68.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Whereas Datta refused to touch upon future pricing, count on the prices to return down shifting ahead, owing to decrease duties for CKD merchandise. Furthermore, India will almost certainly be solely the second manufacturing location for the Wrangler globally, which has historically been produced on the firm’s Toledo (US) services.

The second mannequin slated for native meeting – the Jeep Grand Cherokee – has been discontinued in our market in its current-gen avatar. The American SUV specialist will resurrect the Grand Cherokee moniker in India with the next-gen mannequin that will probably be introduced in as a CKD. The brand new luxurious SUV is about to be larger and plusher than the outgoing mannequin and can get a variety of powertrain choices, together with petrol, diesel and hybrid.

Jeep Compact SUV underneath improvement

Following its four-model robust assault on the Indian market, Jeep will even foray into the hotly contested, sub-4m SUV class.  Confirming its launch, Datta stated, “I’m laser centered on getting the sub-four-metre Jeep to the Indian market. That is being actively developed and is a part of the roadmap for the product onslaught that we’ve got. The product structure and have content material are being fine-tuned due to latest developments and I’ll share extra particulars in future.”

Additionally see:

2020 Jeep Compass diesel computerized evaluation, take a look at drive

2019 Jeep Compass Trailhawk India evaluation, take a look at drive