We reported earlier that Jeep is readying 3 new cars – the Compass facelift, a 7-seater Grand Compass and an all-new compact SUV for the Indian market. The company is also readying the next-gen Renegade SUV, which is expected to be introduced globally in 2021-22. The Compass facelift and 7-seater SUV are scheduled to be introduced in 2021, while the sub-4 meter SUV is reportedly to be launched in 2022.
Codenamed Jeep 526, the sub-4 meter SUV will be the brand’s smallest and most affordable offering. This SUV will mainly target emerging markets including India and Brazil. It will be positioned below the Jeep Renegade; however, it will share the styling cues with the bigger Jeeps such as the Compass and the Cherokee.
The Renegade and Compass are based on the FCA’s Small-Wide Platform; however, the sub-4 meter SUV is likely to use Fiat Panda’s 4×4 platform. New rumours suggest that Jeep could use the Groupe PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform) to develop the new compact SUV. For people not in the know, Groupe PSA and FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobile) joins hands to develop new products, technologies and even sharing platforms.
The CMP platform is compatible with different body styles and different engine options including electric as well as the plug-in hybrids. In fact, Citroen will bring this platform in India to develop at least 3 new cars – a sub-4 meter SUV, a hatchback and an all-new sedan over the period of next 2-3 years.
The upcoming Jeep sub-4 meter SUV is likely to be priced around Rs 10 lakh. It is also expected to offer all-wheel-drive option, which will make this compact SUV the only model to offer this drivetrain in the sub-4 meter segment. The sub-Renegade SUV will rival the Mahindra XUV300, Ford EcoSport and others. The SUV will be locally developed at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility, which also develops the Jeep Compass SUV. The sub-4 meter SUV could be powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers two states of tunes – 130bhp and 150bhp. A diesel version could also be introduced, depending on the market situation.
Source – Motor1.com
