The Jeep Meridian moniker was trademarked in India last June
Jeep India has officially announced today that its new 7-seater SUV for India will be called the Meridian, by far one of the worst-kept secrets in the automotive industry.
The moniker, says Jeep, was chosen from a list of 70 different names. It is inspired by the line – Meridian 770 – that passes through the length of India connecting many States.
Claimed to be completely made-in-India, the Meridian, Jeep says, will have class-leading performance. The car was driven the entire length of the country and is claimed to have been tested on every terrain India has to offer.
The camouflage of the 3-row SUV features depictions of icons – like the India Gate in Delhi – and cultures of the States which lie on the Meridian 770.
To be introduced in the market by the middle of the current calendar year, the SUV, known as the Commander elsewhere, is based on the current generation Compass.
In order to differentiate it from the 5-seater, Jeep has redesigned the entire vehicle. The front and rear portions of the SUV are all-new and of course, along the sides, the Meridian has larger second row doors and windows.
However, on the inside, the Jeep Meridian and Compass should look identical, save for a few features, rose gold accents, and leather and suede fabric dashboard and seat upholstery.
The Meridian is expected to feature a 10.25-inch digital driver display, 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charger, electrically adjustable front seats, electronic tailgate, sunroof, among other things.
Although the carmaker has not revealed the specifications of the Meridian, it should come with a 2.0-litre diesel engine teamed to a 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The motor might also receive mild hybrid assistance for improved efficiency.
