Jeep has planned a range of new SUVs for the Indian market including a 7-seater SUV, a mid-size SUV (Renegade) and a subcompact SUV. The new Jeep 7-seater SUV will be based on the updated Compass that recently went on sale in the country. Slated to launch in the second half of 2021, the model will be positioned against the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour and MG Gloster.
The upcoming Jeep mid-size SUV will take head-to-head against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, while the new sub-4 meter SUV will rival Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue. Both models are expected to hit Indian roads sometime next year (2022). Speaking to Autocar, Partha Datta, President and Managing Director, FCA India, has hinted that the upcoming Jeep subcompact SUV might be designed on PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform).
The same architecture will underpin the new Citroen C21 compact SUV that’s due for early next year. The CMP platform will be produced with over 90% locally sourced components that will help the carmaker meet the tight cost targets. PSA’s CMP platform, however, doesn’t support the 4X4 drivetrain. Well, the question here is “Will Jeep give up its core 4X4 strength for achieving competitive pricing”?
Besides platform, Jeep might use locally sourced engine for its upcoming compact SUV. It could be offered with 1.2L turbocharged petrol motor that will also power the Citroen C21. The French carmaker has already announced that its mass-market range will devoid of diesel engines. When there is a high demand for diesel variants of Kia Sonet and Hyundai Venue, will Jeep India be ready to give a miss to diesel motor. In the European market, the new Jeep compact SUV might be offered with plug-in hybrid powertrains.
More details on the upcoming Jeep compact SUV are likely to be revealed in near future. Stay tuned to IndiaCarNews.
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