We reported earlier that Jeep is readying a 7-seater SUV based on the Compass for the Indian as well as South American markets. The SUV will be called the Jeep Commander in Brazil, while India-spec model is rumoured to be called the Jeep Meridian. The new 7-seater SUV will be produced in Goiana (PE) in Brazil, and will make its global debut on August 26, 2021.
To be offered with more sophisticated interior, the new Jeep Commander will be positioned between the Compass and the new Grand Cherokee L. The Brazilian-spec model will be offered with the 1.3-litre turboflex and 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. The SUV will go on sale in the second half of 2021.
Jeep has already announced a teaser campaign, as it reveals the name and interior of the 7-seater Commander. The SUV has been spotted numerous times in India as well as in Brazil. Most of the details about the styling and features have already been revealed, thanks to spy images and official teasers.
The spy images and teasers reveal that the design language for the new SUV is similar to the Compass and the Grand Cherokee. It features multi-slated vertical grille, high-set bonnet, rectangular shaped LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, big bumper with wider air-inlet and pronounced wheel arches. The vehicle has recently spotted in India with production body panels. It had new U-shaped alloy wheels, longer rear overhang, flattish roofline and raked front windshield. The SUV gets an horizontally placed LED tail-lamp and an upright tailgate. There will be a chrome bar that connects the two tail-lights. It will have a roof-integrated spoiler. The rear profile is heavily inspired by the Grand Cherokee and the Wagoneer.
The interior teaser reveals that the cabin is very similar to that of the Compass; however, it will have more refined materials along with leather and suede combination in the seats and panels. The SUV will share most of the features like the digital instrument console and the new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system from the Compass SUV. The new model will be offered in 6-and 7-seat options.
Jeep has confirmed that the new Commander 2022 will be offered with turbocharged engines. It will be powered by a new 1.3-litre flex engine that produces 185bhp of power and 270Nm of torque. Power will be transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The other option will be the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is likely to produce around 200bhp of power. It will have all-wheel-drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Jeep Commander/Meridian India Launch?
The new 7-seater SUV will be launched in the Indian market in the first half of 2022. In India, it will be positioned against the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, VW Tiguan AllSpace and the Toyota Fortuner. To be produced at the FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, the new SUV is expected to be priced around Rs 28 lakh to Rs 32 lakh.
