2-3 New Made-in-India Jeep SUVs to be Launched in India in 2021
In a bid to improve sales, FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobile) is planning to launch 2-3 new models in India in 2021. The new models will be locally developed at the brand’s Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra. The company is currently selling the Compass as the only locally developed model in the country.
FCA will soon introduce the Wrangler Rubicon in the Indian market in March 2020. The company has already announced that it will launch an all-new 7-seater SUV and a sub-4 meter SUV in India in 2021. In fact, testing of the 7-seater Jeep SUV has already been started. Internally called the “Jeep Low-D”, the new model will be based on the Small-Wide platform that also underpins the Compass.
The new model will be locally developed at the FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, which will also serve as an export hub for RHD markets. It will be an all-new product developed from scratch. The upcoming Jeep 7-seater SUV is most likely to be offered with 2 engine options – a 180bhp, 1.3-litre, turbocharged MultiAir 16V petrol and a 170bhp, 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a ZF-sourced 9-speed automatic.
Talking about the sub-4 meter SUV, the new Jeep SUV will be launched in India in 2021. The small SUV will be the global model and will go on sale in foreign markets in 2022. The small SUV will directly rival the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota Raize and the Ford EcoSport. It will be a practical model for everyday life and will have off-road capability. It could be the only SUV in its category in India to offer all-wheel-drive option.
The new Jeep sub-compact SUV will share platform with the new generation Fiat Panda (4×4) small car. The SUV will be locally developed at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility. With high-level of local components, the new SUV could be priced under Rs 10 lakh. It is likely to receive a de-tuned version of the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
