Fiat Chrysler Automobiles India has sold the Jeep Compass like hot cake in the Indian market and only recently has the sales on the SUV seem to have lost momentum. According to a media report, the brand is now planning to bring two or maybe three new SUVs to the Indian market. The SUVs in question are likely to be produced locally at the Tata-FCA’s shared manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Pune.
The production on the new SUVs is likely to begin next year and speculation are that Jeep might introduce a 7-seat model and a sub-compact SUV. While the three-row 7-seat Jeep had been reported earlier and the product which is likely to be codenamed ‘Low-D’ was expected to be an extended version of the current Compass. But new unconfirmed reports suggest that the new 7-seat Jeep SUV is likely to get its own unique design and will not be just a mere extension of the Compass.
The Jeep sub-compact SUV is likely to be based on the Fiat Panda 4X4 platform and earlier rumours suggested that the small SUV is likely to be codenamed Jeep 526. If rumours are to be believed the sub-compact model is likely to get a 4X4 drivetrain along with other off-road capabilities.
The Jeep Compass is available with two powertrain options in India –
- 1.4-litre Multiair petrol which produces 163 ps of power and 250 Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual and an automatic 7-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT).
- 2.0-litre multijet diesel motor which produces 173 ps of power and 350Nm of torque mated to front-wheel driven 6-speed manual gearbox.
Other Jeep models that are being sold in India such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee will still continue to come via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route and the brand is also likely to bring the Wrangler Rubicon to our shores as early as the second quarter.