Fiat has imported the Jeep Cherokee SUV in India for R&D purpose, suggesting that the brand might be checking on the feasibility of such products in the Indian market.
The model imported is a FWD 2.0L diesel engined 4×2 model.
Details: R&D PURPOSE FRONT WHEEL DRIVE 4X2 MODEL JEEP CHEROKEE 2.0L ENGINE NO:W274124 ,VIN/CHASIS NO.IC4PJLGY8EW274124 LONGITUDE
Powering this model is the 2.0L, 4-cylinder, Multijet, turbocharged diesel motor producing 140-170 BHP of power and 350 Nm of torque. While 4×4 variants are available, currently only the 4×2 model has made it to the Indian shore.
Fiat is planning to launch the Jeep brand in India next year starting with the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee slots in below the Grand Cherokee as a mid-size SUV.
However, Jeep plans to launch an all-new C-Segment SUV in 2016 for the global markets. The Cherokee might be doing the test duties to provide a base for the new model. Time will tell if this import actually makes it to the showrooms, or provides inputs to the new SUV Jeep has in the pipeline.
Source – Zauba