The long-awaited Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV will make its India debut on March 29, 2022. Ahead of its official debut, Jeep India dealerships have unofficially started accepting bookings for the Meridian SUV. One can pre-book the SUV by paying a token amount of Rs 50,000, while deliveries are being promised to commence by late May 2022.
The Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV is scheduled to be launched in the country in May 2022. The SUV is already on sale in South American markets where it’s called the Jeep Commander. FCA’s Ranjangaon facility will be the manufacturing hub for the right-hand-drive Meridian. The SUV will also be exported to other RHD markets. The SUV shares the platform, interior and design with the global Commander; however, the India-spec model will receive few design changes.
The Jeep Meridian will rival the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, MG Gloster and the upcoming Hyundai Tucson new-gen. Design highlights include a new, sleeker LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs, a 7-slat grille & a flat bonnet along with squarish wheel arches. The rear profile is inspired by the bigger Jeeps including the Grand Wagoneer & the Grand Cherokee.
In terms of proportions, the new Meridian is 4,769mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,682mm tall, 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 Meridian is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller.
It will be offered in 6-and 7-seat options with former having captain seats in the second row. The SUV is expected to feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, electrically adjustable & ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, automatic AC, etc.
The Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV will be powered by the same 2.0L MultiJet II diesel engine that powers the Compass. While powering the Compass, this engine produces 173bhp and 350Nm of torque. Jeep is expected to calibrate the engine to produce extra power, close to 200bhp. Transmission options 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 will also receive a petrol engine option at a later stage. It could get the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 187bhp and 270Nm of torque. It is the same powertrain that powers the global Compass and Commander.
Source – AutoCarIndia
