The long-awaited Jeep Meridian 7 Seat SUV has finally been unveiled in the Indian market. The 3-row SUV is basically the Commander, which is on sale in select international markets. The new model comes with some India-specific tweaks and interior changes. Jeep dealers have already started accepting pre-bookings for the SUV at a token amount of Rs 50,000, while deliveries are expected in May 2022.
The new Jeep Meridian 7 Seat SUV is based on the Small Wide 4×4 platform that underpins the Compass. This platform has been modified to accommodate a longer wheelbase. Moreover, Jeep has used high strength steel to make the platform stronger. It will be manufactured at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, which will also serve as a production hub for the right-hand-drive model. It will be exported to all the right-hand-drive markets from India.
The new Jeep Meridian will be built with 80 per cent localisation. It is expected to be priced aggressively and we expect the new model to cost somewhere between Rs 33 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.
The 3-row Jeep Meridian shares several design elements from the Jeep Compass. In fact, the SUV also receives some styling cues from the new Grand Cherokee. It comes with Jeep’s signature seven-slat grille, flanked by Bi-LED projector headlamps. The SUV features a new front bumper with integrated LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps), LED fog lamps, body claddings and integrated roof rails. The SUV also features a panoramic sunroof.
The new SUV rides on 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels. The rear profile has resemblance with the bigger Jeeps including the Grand Wagoneer and the Cherokee. It features horizontally positioned LED tail-lights, rear wiper and washer, an integrated spoiler, a boot-lid mounted number plate, and new rear bumper with reflectors. The SUV has bigger rear overhang and larger rear doors for easy ingress and egress to the third row.
Inside the cabin, the new Jeep Meridian shares several components and features from the Compass. However, it offers more premium feel compared to the 5-seater sibling. The company has used several soft-touch materials. It comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with U-Connect 5 that offers multiple connected car tech features. The SUV also gets a 10.2-inch digital instrument console and 9-speaker high-definition surround sound system. It comes with automatic AC with vents for second and third row. The other rows also gets individual USB slots with fast charging capability. It also gets front row ventilated, and power adjustable seats.
For safety and security, the new Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV gets a 360 degree camera, wireless charging, ABS with EBD, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), electronic parking brakes, traction control, 6 airbags, seat belt reminder, rear parking sensors with rear camera, hill start assist, etc.
In terms of proportions, the new Jeep Meridian is similar to the Commander. It measures 4,769mm in length, 1,859mm in width and 1,682mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 158mm to accommodate a longer body. Compared to the Compass, the new Jeep Meridian is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller. It is claimed to have a segment-first 80 degree rear door opening for easy ingress and egress.
Powering the new Meridian is a 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine that powers the Compass. The company hasn’t reveal the power and torque figures, but it is expected to produce close to 200bhp. It is claimed to offer a top speed of 198kmph and 0-100kmph acceleration in 10.8 seconds. Transmission choices could include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic. While the manual version will get 4×2 drivetrain system, the automatic SUV will come with both 4×2 and 4×4 setup. The SUV offers 4 driving modes – Sand, Snow, Auto & Mud.
In the future, the new model will receive a petrol engine. It is likely to powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Commander in Brazil. This engine churns out 187bhp of power and 270Nm of torque.
