Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT, Wrangler launched in India

Jeep commences its India ops with two dealers. Prices for the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and SRT announced.

Published On Aug 30, 2016 09:56:00 AM

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Jeep Grand Cherokee, SRT, Wrangler launched in India

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)

Prices for the models are unexpectedly high, which is possibly due to the vehicles being fully imported as CBUs from the North American plant. These prices make the Grand Cherokee uncompetitive against its conventional rivals like the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE. However, the high-performance SRT seems to be competitively priced when stacked against performance SUVs like the Cayenne Turbo and the X6 M.

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 retro-styled Wrangler has been launched only in the long-wheelbase ‘Unlimited’ trim, powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine good for 200hp. The shorter, standard wheelbase Wrangler will not make it to our shores as of now. The Wrangler Unlimited comes with a five-speed automatic gearbox and standard four-wheel drive with heavy duty solid axles and a lockable centre differential. Also part of the kit is a 6.5-inch U-Connect infotainment system.

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 review

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT review