Crossing the Meridian
Apart from the upcoming Meridian, Jeep also has some ‘Grand’ plans for India if you can catch our drift!
2016 IS WHEN JEEP FIRST ARRIVED in India, and it took a top-down approach starting with the Wrangler and the previous-generation Grand Cherokee, while the volume-seller Compass would only arrive much later in 2017. In 2019, then-parent company FCA decided to end Fiat’s innings in India and start afresh with Jeep. Cut to 2022, and Jeep India has only two products at the crease, with the volume-seller Compass on strike, while the Wrangler stands at the nonstriker end. Meanwhile, at the dugout, Jeep India is planning a product offensive, which begins with the comeback of the off-road focused Compass Trailhawk ― you can read our review on pg 62.
The real attention-grabber here will be the much-awaited Meridian seven-seater SUV, which has been in development for a long, long time. In fact, we’ve spotted test mules doing the rounds so many times, it might as well win the title for the “most spotted test car on an IG feed”, if someone ever makes that a category that is! Jokes aside, the Meridian highlights Jeep India’s commitment to delivering a product that combines the
Compass’ desirability with the practicality of a larger, seven-seater SUV. Designed specifically for India, the Meridian has been named after the 77° Meridian that passes through the various states of India. Although there aren’t too many details available, it is likely that the Meridian will receive the same powertrains as the Compass, albeit in different states of tune. With the Ford Endeavour gone, the Fortuner and Gloster seem to be its closest rivals.
Also waiting in the stands is the allnew Grand Cherokee that was unveiled internationally last year. While the previousgen Grand Cherokee used to be on sale with a choice of diesel and petrol powertrains, the new Grand Cherokee will only be offered with a 2-litre turbo-petrol mill paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Off-road kit such as Quadra-Trac 4x4 suite, and Selec-Terrain system with five terrain modes will also be offered. With such promising offerings in the pipeline, Jeep India sure seems ready for the future. My only question ― can we also get the Cherokee with the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 powertrain, please? ⌧