The 7-seat Jeep SUV is being readied for an India launch in H1 2022. Codenamed the H6, the brand new mannequin is not going to carry the Compass moniker and, as an alternative, will debut an all-new nameplate, which is able to possible be revealed on April 4, 2021. Sources inform us that the corporate has handpicked the actual date for the essential announcement because it has been observing April 4 (4/4) because the ‘Jeep 4×4 Day’ since 2016.
Whereas a three-row SUV could be a bit at odds with the model, Fiat Chrysler Vehicles’ (FCA) head of design, Ralph Gilles, has emphasised that the H6 will stay true to the Jeep picture.
- Regardless of sharing its platform with the Compass, the H6 will pack in important modifications
- Touted to have “actual” off-road capabilities
- To be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine good for round 200hp
7-seat Jeep SUV (H6) to be a bespoke providing
Jeep desires the H6 to have its personal id and, as such, the SUV could have design parts to distinguish it from the Compass. Nonetheless, it’s going to nonetheless pack in typical Jeep styling cues. As an illustration, the model’s iconic seven-slot entrance grille will characteristic on the brand new mannequin as properly. “The Wrangler remains to be on the core of Jeep’s DNA, so there is a little bit of Wrangler in the whole lot that we make. And we work its particulars into our designs – the Wrangler’s trapezoidal rear wheel arch has discovered its means into nearly each Jeep. It is a refined factor, but it surely’s unconscious,” mentioned Gilles at a current media occasion.
Furthermore, although the H6 will share its monocoque platform with the Compass, the brand new mannequin is claimed to be packing in important modifications. “The H6 is a completely customized car. There’s actually two bits left from its donor automobile; it is a very purpose-built car. It’ll be our first (midsize) three-row SUV,” Gilles advised Autocar India.
7-seat Jeep SUV (H6) to retain model’s off-road focus
Commenting on the upcoming mannequin’s rugged talents, the design head advised us, “Our engineers do not fiddle. So, it is an actual Jeep, it’s going to have actual capabilities.”
The H6 will likely be longer, wider and taller than the Compass, and can also have a longer wheelbase. This might probably influence the car’s off-road prowess, particularly its method, ramp breakover and departure angles. Nonetheless, Gilles pressured that the mannequin’s bigger footprint is not going to be a problem. “It’s in good concord with its functionality. They (engineers) have made up for that by tweaking the journey peak and different issues, so it’s high quality. We have now numerous expertise doing this,” he mentioned in response to an Autocar India question.
7-seat Jeep SUV (H6) to get a strong diesel engine
The Compass’ 2.0-litre diesel engine will even energy the H6, albeit in the next state of tune of round 200hp (in comparison with 173hp within the 5-seater). A 9-speed torque converter automated gearbox and all-wheel-drive performance will likely be part of the bundle as properly.
7-seat Jeep SUV (H6) value estimate
Being a 7-seat monocoque SUV, the H6 will rival the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and the upcoming, petrol-only Skoda Kodiaq. Nonetheless, its touted off-road talents might additionally imply that will probably be knocking on the doorways of even some ladder-frame SUVs just like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.
Positioned above the Compass in Jeep’s line-up, the H6 is predicted to hold a sticker value of round Rs 30-35 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom).
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