We informed you earlier that Jeep will introduce a new 7-seater SUV, called the Meridian in India in early 2022. A new prototype of the Jeep Meridian has been caught testing in Bangalore. The new model was heavily camouflaged, doesn’t divulge information.
The new Jeep Meridian is basically the new Commander 7-seater SUV, which is on sale in Brazil. The SUV is likely to receive some India-specific changes to styling as well as inside the cabin. It will be produced at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, which also produces the Compass SUV. In fact, the new facility will act as a production hub for the right hand drive markets.
The 3-row SUV production is most likely to commence by April 2022, while launch is expected in July-August 2022. It is based on the Small-Wide 4×4 platform that underpins the Compass and the Renegade. Jeep engineers have modified this platform to accommodate a longer wheelbase and a bigger product.
The SUV shares styling cues from the Compass and bigger Jeeps including the Wagoneer and the Grand Cherokee. In terms of proportions, the Jeep 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.
The Jeep Meridian will be offered in two seating configurations – 6-seater with captain seats in second row and 7-seater with bench-type seats. The new model will share most of the interior components with the new Compass SUV. It is most likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Jeep Compass. This engine churns out 173bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. The top-spec model will also receive an AWD system.
