It is no secret that Jeep is developing an all-new B-segment SUV, which has recently been leaked online. Earlier this year, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares revealed the Jeep’s first-ever 100% battery-electric (BEV) during the company’s “Bare Forward 2030 strategic plan presentation.” The new concept previewed the brand’s upcoming B-SUV, which is also reportedly to be launched in India in 2023-24.
Internally called the Project 516 or Jeep Junior, the new B-segment SUV will be positioned below the Renegade in Jeep’s line-up. This model will also be offered with an electric powertrain. Media reports suggest that the new Jeep baby SUV could be called the Jeepster. This nameplate was earlier used on a special edition model of the Renegade.
Moreover, the new Jeep baby SUV is reportedly to be manufactured at the Stellantis Tychy, Poland plant in Q4, 2022. The new baby SUV will be based on the second-generation eCMP platform. This is basically the modified version of the CMP platform that underpins the upcoming Citroen C3. It was reported that the new SUV will be based on the Stellantis’ STLA Small architecture, which will be introduced by 2025-26.
The new Jeep 516 small SUV will come with an electronic all-wheel-drive (eAWD) as an option. Front-wheel-drive will be offered as standard. Not just BEVs, Jeep will also introduce the mild-hybrid versions of this SUV.
The camouflaged prototype of the Project 516 was leaked online, which looks very similar to the concept shown in March 2022. The new B-SUV won’t feature the brand’s traditional rounded headlamps, which we have seen on the Renegade. The SUV has curvy LED headlamps and LED DRLs running above the lens. The SUV has high placed LED fog lamps, which looks similar to the one offered on the Compass and the Meridian.
