The iconic Jeep brand has made its entry to the Indian market with two models- the Wrangler Unlimited and the Grand Cherokee SUV as part of initial launch. Also, the Grand Cherokee SRT has been launched by Jeep in India.
For now the market reach for Jeep would be limited as it has got dealerships operational in Ahmedabad and Delhi only. But gradually more dealerships would be there in Chennai and Mumbai in the month of October and Hyderabad, Kochi, Chandigarh, and Bangalore by the end of the year. Also a parts distribution centre has been inaugurated by Jeep in Chakan.
The vehicles have been imported from the company's North American plant as CBUs to India and this has resulted into unexpectedly high prices. This also means that the overly priced Grand Cherokee would be uncompetitive against the BMW X5 and the Mercedes GLE. On the other hand, the high-performance SRT has been competitively priced in comparison to other performance SUVs like the X6 M and the Cayenne Turbo.
The retro-styled Wrangler has got a 2.8 litre diesel engine that can deliver 200 HP and has been launched only in the long wheelbase ‘Unlimited’ trim for now. The Wrangler Unlimited has got a 6.5 inch U-Connect infotainment system. The transmission is done through a five-speed automatic gearbox and standard four-wheel drive with heavy duty solid axles and a lockable centre differential.
The second model from Jeep, the Grand Cherokee comes in three trims – Limited, Summit and the high-powered Grand Cherokee SRT. The Grand Cherokee Limited and Summit variants are powered by a 240 HP, 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can deliver 12.8 kpl. The high-performance SRT gets it power from a 475 hp, 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol motor paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
All three variants have got a Quadratrack-2 four-wheel-drive system. The SRT has got additional high-performance Brembo brakes and active damping suspension. All models will have an extended warranty and a comprehensive roadside assistance program as a part of offer.
The petrol variants for the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler is expected to be launched by November this year. Its been after many delays that the Jeep brand has made it to the Indian market. Jeep is also expected to come up with a third model currently known as the Jeep C-SUV which will be manufactured locally. For the production of the third model, Jeep has already invested USD 280 million (Rs 1878.66 crore approximately) at Ranjangaon facility.
The C-SUV would be priced between Rs 13-20 lakh and is expected to generate power between 107 HP and 122 HP from a 1.5-litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine (a downsized version the international 1.6-litre block) for the 2WD model.
Prices for the Jeep models in India are
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD: 71.59 lakh
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit: 1.03 crore
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited: 93.64 lakh
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: 1.12 crore
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
Wrangler Unlimited: http://autos.maxabout.com/cars/jeep/wrangler
Grand Cherokee: http://autos.maxabout.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee
Grand Cherokee SRT: http://autos.maxabout.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/grand-cherokee-srt