The iconic Jeep brand has finally made its entry into India. Jeep’s initial line-up for our market includes two models, the Wrangler Unlimited and the Grand Cherokee SUV. Also launched is the high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT, which also marks the debut of the ‘SRT’ performance brand in India.
Prices for the Jeep models in India are:
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD: Rs 71.59 lakh
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: Rs 1.03 crore
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited: Rs 93.64 lakh
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: Rs 1.12 crore
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
Currently, Jeep has only two dealerships in India – in Ahmedabad and Delhi – which limits its market reach. However, operations in Chennai and Mumbai are expected to start in October, followed by Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Bengaluru later in the year. Jeep has also inagurated a parts distribution centre in Chakan.
The second model from Jeep, the Grand Cherokee will, for now, be the mainstay for the brand in India. The Grand Cherokee comes in three trims – Limited, Summit and the high-powered Grand Cherokee SRT.
The Grand Cherokee Limited and Summit variants draw power from a 240hp 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The Grand Cherokee diesel delivers 12.8kpl. The SRT uses a 475hp 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol motor mated to the same eight-speed automatic gearbox. All three variants are equipped with Quadratrack-2 four-wheel-drive system, with the SRT additionally getting high-performance Brembo brakes and active damping suspension.
All models are offered with an extended warranty and a comprehensive roadside assistance program.
While both the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler currently get diesel engines, Jeep will launch petrol-powered derivatives for these models by November this year.
The Jeep brand had to go through a series of delays for an India launch due to various reasons. Speaking to Autocar India, Kevin Flynn, CEO Fiat India said “This was a setback, but one that proved in some way good as now Jeep is backed up by a robust and ambitious local manufacturing plan. Earlier it would have only been a niche player.”
While the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee have marked Jeep's entry in India and are sold as CBUs, the carmaker will locally manufacture a third model that will set to roll out next year. This new SUV, currently known as the Jeep C-SUV, will likely carry the 'Jeep Compass' moniker. For the production of this model, parent company FCA has invested USD 280 million at its Ranjangaon facility.
The C-SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 13-20 lakh. Power is expected to be between 107hp and 122hp from a 1.5-litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine (a downsized version the international 1.6-litre block) for the 2WD model. An all-wheel-drive version, powered by a larger 2.0-litre Multijet engine making 170hp, will also be produced.
Also read
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited review
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT review