Jeep India to launch Wrangler, Grand Cherokee next month; all new localised SUV by H2 of 2017

Iconic American utility vehicle manufacturer, Jeep, debuted in India at Auto Expo 2016 in February by showcasing the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. The launch was expected soon after the show but for unknown reasons it got delayed. Emerging reports indicate that Fiat India, the parent company of the Jeep has decided the launch schedule.

The Jeep range will be launched in India by the end of August reports Cardekho. The Jeep Wrangler will be offered in four-door format only in the county. The vehicle will be powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that belts out 197bhp and 460Nm of torque mated to five-speed automatic transmission. The power will be transmitted to all four wheels. The ARAI rated fuel efficiency of the SUV is 12.1kmpl and it also comes with 238mm ground clearance.

On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee will be sold in three variants. The Limited and Summit variants will be powered by 3.0-litre V6 EcoDiesel engine that develops 240bhp and 570Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed transmission. The Grand Cherokee SRT is a performance spec variant. It will be powered by a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 diesel unit that produces 469bhp and 630Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed AT and AWD system.

After establishing the brand with these two SUVs, the company will debut an all new localised SUV by second-quarter of 2017, reports ET Auto. The company also has plans to make India as its export base for eastern countries. Details on the new SUV are scarce now. Reports indicate it will cater to the burgeoning compact SUV space in India and will be priced competitively.