Jeep SUVs have always been renowned for their unbeatable off-roading capabilities worldwide. The American SUV manufacturer marked its entry into the Indian market in 2016 with the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, followed by the Compass and Meridian. Now, aiming to fortify its presence, the company intends to venture into new SUV segments, including the mid-size SUV and lifestyle off-road SUV spaces.
Rumors suggest that the Jeep Avenger might soon debut in India to rival models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in the mid-size SUV segment.
According to a recent media report, Jeep is contemplating the introduction of a lifestyle off-road SUV tailored for the Indian market, positioned to compete with the Mahindra Thar. Expected to offer a slightly more premium experience in terms of features and pricing compared to its rival, the new Jeep SUV could boast off-roading capabilities such as a 4WD setup with locking differentials, efficient petrol and diesel engines, and a body-on-frame platform.
Design-wise, the new Jeep SUV is anticipated to draw inspiration from its elder sibling, the Wrangler. It may feature LED headlamps and DRLs, LED fog lamps, Jeep’s signature grille, alloy wheels with off-road-focused tyres, and LED taillamps. Jeep’s manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra, will serve as the production hub for the right-hand drive (RHD) mini-Wrangler or off-road SUV, catering to both domestic and select export markets, including Latin America and Africa. Further details on the upcoming Jeep off-road SUV are expected to surface in the near future.
Talking about the forthcoming Jeep mid-size SUV, the model will be based on the CMP platform, also utilized by the Citroen C3 Aircross. In fact, the 109bhp, 1.2L turbo petrol engine is expected to be sourced from the C3 Aircross as well. It will be available with both manual and automatic gearbox options. Additionally, the American SUV maker might introduce an electric variant of its new mid-size SUV at a later stage.
