For people not in the know, Jeep and Citroen are the part of Stellantis (Merged FCA-PSA Group). FCA & Peugeot S.A entered into a 50:50 partnership in 2021. The Group now plans to improve its market share by introducing a wide range of new cars and SUVs in the country. Both brands will use common platforms and powertrains in the future products.
In this article, we talk about the upcoming new Jeep SUVs and Citroen Cars in the Indian market in near future.
Upcoming Jeep SUVs In India
– Jeep Compass Trailhawk facelift
– Jeep Meridian – 7-Seater SUV
– Locally-Assembled Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Jeep sub-4 meter SUV
American SUV maker, Jeep will launch 4 new models in the country in the next 2-3 years. The company will launch the Trailhawk facelift in February 2022. The updated model is likely to come more off-road focused hardware including a 4WD system and multiple drive modes. The SUV will also receive design changes and will offer improved approach and departure angle. It is likely to be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine with a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
The company is also preparing a 7-seater SUV based on the Compass platform. Rumoured to be called the Jeep Meridian, the SUV made its global debut as the Commander in 2021. It rides on longer wheelbase and is significantly longer than the Compass. The SUV will be offered in 6-and 7-seat layouts with former having capatin seats in the second row. The new model is likely to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a mild hybrid system. This engine could be tuned to produce up to 200bhp, and is expected to be offered with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and 4WD system as standard.
After introducing the locally assembled Wrangler, Jeep is now preparing to start local assembling of the Grand Cherokee. The company is likely to introduce the 5-seater version of the SUV. The new Cherokee shares styling cues from the Grand Wagoneer. It will come with high-end comfort and convenience features. The SUV is likely to be powered by a 290bhp, 3.6-litre petrol V6 engine. The company could also introduce the 4xe plug-in hybrid variant.
Jeep is also preparing a sub-4 meter SUV, which will be based on the new CMP platform. This platform will first debut in the Citroen C3 subcompact car. The new subcompact Jeep SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Mahindra XUV300 and the Tata Nexon. It is likely to be powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which can produce up to 130bhp of power.
Upcoming Citroen Cars
– Citroen C3
– Citroen CC24 Mid-Sized SUV
– Citroen CC26 Sedan
– Citroen Mini-Electric SUV
Citroen will launch the locally developed C3 crossover-like hatchback in the second quarter of 2022. Based on the heavily localised CMP modular platform, the new Citroen C3 will rival the likes of the Tata Punch and the Maruti Ignis. It shares styling cues from the bigger Citroen cars including the C5 and the C4. The small car is likely to be offered with a 1.2L NA or a 1.2L turbo petrol engine. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
Citroen is reportedly working on a new mid-sized SUV, codenamed CC24. The new model will be based on the localised CMP platform, which could be modified to accommodate a longer wheelbase model. It will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia seltos and others in its league. The new model is expected to share the styling cues from the C4 Cactus, which is on sale in the International markets. It is likely to be powered by a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine.
Not just mid-sized SUV, the French automaker is also preparing a mid-sized sedan – codenamed CC26. It will rival the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming Skoda Slavia and the VW Virtus. The Citroen CC26 mid-sized sedan is most likely to be based on the simplified version of the Groupe PSA’s CMP (Common Modular Platform), which also underpins the Peugeot 208 hatchback. This platform is compatible with different body styles including SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks and MPVs, and can use multiple engine options such as petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid.
The company is also preparing a new electric mini SUV, which will challenge the upcoming Tata Punch based micro EV. Codenamed eCC21, the new model is likely to be based on the soon-to-be-launched C3. The model will underpin the Groupe PSA’s CMP (EMP1) platform that has already been used in the brand’s several global models.
