4 New Jeep SUVs and An Electric SUV For India
FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) is planning to expand its Jeep SUV product portfolio in the Indian market. The company will roll out 4 new models including the new Wrangler Rubicon, Compass facelift, a subcompact SUV and a 7-seater SUV. While the Wrangler’s new variant will hit showrooms by the end of this month, the other 3 SUVs will come sometime next year.
Interestingly, the American SUV manufacturer will also foray into electric vehicle space with an all-new model. Speaking to a media publication, Partha Datta, President and Managing Director, FCA India, has revealed that the company is working on battery powered vehicles for the global markets that might also make their way to India.
The Jeep Compass facelift will receive subtle changes inside and out. Reports suggest that the SUV might get FCA’s latest Uconnect infotainment system with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen. The existing model comes with the BS6-compliant petrol and diesel engines. Though, the updated one might get a new 1.3L FireFly turbo petrol engine along with three gearbox options – a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed DCT and a 9-speed automatic.
The American carmaker will also mark its entry into the sub-4 meter SUV segment sometime next year. The new Jeep compact SUV will go up against the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and the upcoming Kia Sonet. Expected to be based on Fiat Panda’s 4X4 platform, the vehicle might be offered with multiple powertrains – petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid.
Codenamed Jeep D-Low, the new 7-seater SUV will take head-to-head against the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. In India, it’s likely to be offered with a new 1.3L, 4-cylinder turbo MultiAir 16V engine. The gasoline unit has electrically control valve opening and offers power worth 180bhp with torque between 225Nm – 245Nm. There might two gearboxes on offer – a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed ZF-sourced automatic.
