Jeep India to launch 4 new SUVs: Details

Amid the reports of Fiat leaving India, a new report has shed light on FCA’s future plan in India regarding the Jeep brand. The SUV manufacturer has been doing good so far and though 2019 has been a slow year so far, they expect the market to pick up the pace once again in the coming months. According to a report by ETAuto, which discussed Fiat’s future plan in India, Jeep will be launching 4 SUVs in the coming time. The brand is looking to expand its model portfolio in the country and increase its market share.

Compass TrailHawk

The four SUVs that FCA will launch through the Jeep brand will be the Compass TrailHawk, Compass facelift, a 7 seater SUV based on Compass, and an all-new B-segment SUV. Talking about the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, it will be a more hardcore version of the regular Compass SUV. The Trailhawk variant will bring 4×4 drivetrain, a new engine gearbox combo along with a host of other features with it and will sit at the top of the Compass variant lineup.

It will be powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engine that puts out 173 Bp of power along with 350 Nm of torque and will be paired with a 9-speed dual clutch transmission. It will also get the Selec-Terrain system that comes with a total of five modes including Sport, Sand/Mud, Rock and Auto. The ground clearance will be increased by 20 mm and the approach and departure angles will also improve.

Compass Facelift

The Compass Facelift will be launched next year and will give the SUV a cosmetic makeover along with some new features. The Compass has begun to feel the heat from rivals like the Tata Harrier which has affected its sales. The upcoming MG Hector and later the Tata Cassini will again give it a tough time and for the same, Jeep will update the Compass to keep its market position strong.

Jeep’s Hyundai Creta challenger

The small B-segment SUV will be launched after 2020 and will be the most affordable product in the brand’s model lineup. It will take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster and the upcoming Kia SP2i SUV when launched. It’s likely to be a petrol-only model, with a turbocharged petrol engine at its core. This turbo petrol could also be paired by a hybrid option. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are likely to be offered. While this SUV will predominantly be a front wheel driven vehicle, an all-wheel drive system option is also expected to be offered.

Compass 7-seater

Talking about the 7-seater Compass, FCA global had announced in June last that the company will launch a seven-seater Compass and the small SUV for the Indian market. This one will probably be positioned as a Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour challenger and will get proper 4×4 drivetrain on the top end variant.

Jeep is also working on expanding its dealership and service network. Already, it has expanded its dealership footprint to 82 outlets in 70 cities and is using the current phase to consolidate its presence in the market. For now, the company is also working on upgrading its engine lineup to be BS6 compliant before the April 2020 deadline. A lot of other manufacturers have decided to shun diesel in lower-priced cars but Jeep will continue using diesel engines for its SUVs. Apart from all this, Jeep will also launch the facelifted version of the Wrangler in India in the coming months.