It was speculated that the upcoming Jeep 7-seater SUV will be called the Grand Compass. However, a new media report claims that the SUV will have different name and significantly different design. Internally called the Projector 598 SUV, the new Jeep 7-seater SUV is scheduled to be launched in India and in select international markets in the second half of 2021.
The upcoming 7-seater Jeep SUV will be designed and developed on the FCA’s Small Wide 4×4 platform, which also underpins the Renegade and the Compass. However, the platform will be tweaked to accommodate larger body. The report claims that the brand works on reinforcements on the platform. The upgraded platform will be used to develop the next-generation Jeep Renegade, which is scheduled to make debut in 2022.
The spy images reveal that the new Jeep 7-seater SUV will have a longer wheelbase to accommodate third row of seats. The SUV’s front door seems identical to the Compass; however, it comes with larger doors. Adding to it, the SUV has larger overhangs and wider C-coloumn along with the flatter trunk lid to make room for the third-row of seats.
The new SUV will look different and have more sophisticated interior than the smaller Compass. In fact, the new SUV will share styling cues from the Grand Cherokee. The SUV will be equipped with several high-end comfort, convenience and safety features such as panoramic sunroof, ESP, cruise control, full LED auto headlamps, vehicle stability, traction control, hill-launch and descent, etc.
The 7-seater Jeep SUV will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which also powers the Compass. However, the engine will be tuned to produce around 200bhp of power and over 400Nm of torque. It will be paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Jeep’s new 7-seater SUV will feature the new line of GSE turbo engines, which FCA group will produce later this year. The new SUV is expected to get the 1.3-litre Turbo Flex engine with power output close to 180bhp.
