Jeep entered the Indian market last year and three years from now, it is planning to expand its SUV line-up to five.
Fiat Chrysler subsidiary Jeep made its debut with the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. The vehicles are priced at a premium since they are imported as CBUs, but now the automaker is going to cater to the mass market segments too. The Jeep India range is expected to grow over the coming years, with the addition of 3 new models to the line-up, namely the Compass, Renegade and a new sub 4-metre SUV.
The Jeep Compass takes styling cues from the Grand Cherokee and adopts SUV-esque design theme. The Compass is an important launch for Jeep because it would decide the automaker’s future in India. The manufacturer is working hard for a competitive sticker price by localising the manufacturing process at the Ranjangaon facility.
Different transmission and engine combinations will be offered. The 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol engine will be offered with a manual as well as automatic gearbox, while the 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engine will be available in manual transmission only. Keeping the off-road capabilities in mind, a 4×4 drivetrain will also be offered.
Jeep Renegade is the next SUV to go on sale after the Compass. It will be priced below the Compass and is slated to launch in 2019. The Jeep Renegade is 4232 mm long and 2022 mm wide, which makes it an ideal alternative to today’s compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta and Renault Duster. Like the Compass, Jeep aims at localisation to keep prices low and will manufacture the Renegade at the Ranjangaon facility alongside the Compass. Engine options will remain identical to the Compass, with the possibility of a lower-spec engine in the future to drop the prices further.
Jeep is also working on another compact SUV designed specifically for India. It will be less than 4-metres in length and has been code-named as 515. It will be the most affordable mass market product from Jeep. The manufacturer has not yet finalised the engine option and is looking at less than 1.5-litre engine size to benefit from India’s tax structure. There is a possibility that Jeep might plonk in a downsized version of Compass’ 1.6-litre engine. Priced below the Renegade, it will be a grand success if Jeep gets the ball rolling with the Compass and Renegade.
The American carmaker has expressed great interest in our market with a plethora of models lined up and rightly so, because of the changing trend in the Indian market in favour of SUVs. In a price-sensitive market like India, if priced right, Jeep would be able to tap the market’s potential at the perfect time.
Jeep India Range
– Jeep India to launch Compass, Renegade and a sub 4-metre SUV
– Compass to come to India very soon, Renegade in 2019
– Cars to be locally manufactured at Ranjangaon
– Jeep plans to keep sticker price attractive to lure buyers
Source – AutocarIndia.com