Much awaited Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler off-roaders would soon be seen scorching Indian streets, most probably in September this year. The Jeep brand is owned by Chrysler, which is part of the Italian automotive conglomerate Fiat. It has been reported that the first Jeep vehicles for the domestic car market would be Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models. The premium Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) would be marketed in India as Completely Built Units (CBUs).
The Grand Cherokee is Jeep's flagship model and is expected to generate a great deal of interest and curiosity among the Indian buyers, along with entire automobile media and industry. Considered as one of the world's most powerful off-roading capable vehicles, the India spec Jeep Grand Cherokee is believed to be coming fitted with a 3.0 litre Turbocharged V6 oil burner that could develop a top power and torque equations of 240 bhp at 3,600 rpm and 570 Nm at 2,000 rpm, respectively. The drivetrain would be an All Wheel Drive (AWD) and the engine assembly is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The Jeep Wrangler could make any off-roading enthusiast go weak in his knees with sheer adulation and respect. The intimidating SUV is regarded as original off-road vehicle by the company, as well as being the best in the world. Further, one petrol and one diesel variant of this pure bred off-roader would be introduced in the Indian auto market. The diesel model would come fitted with a 2.8 litre oil burner, while the petrol trim is expected to be powered by a 3.6 litre engine.
As per industry sources, the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee could hit Indian streets sometime between September and October months this year. The anticipated price of Grand Cherokee is around Rs. 50 to 60 lakh, whereas the Wrangler could carry price tags close to Rs. 25 to 30 lakh (ex-showroom prices). It is going to be interesting to see how the Jeep models are received by the Indian audience, which at the moment has been stung by love for powerful SUVs. Upon their launch, the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler SUVs would cater to the deep pocketed domestic car buyers and could take competition head on the likes of other premium SUV makers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.
