Contrary to recent reports we can confirm that the next-gen Renegade will debut in India in 2020; most likely at the 2020 Auto Expo
Jeep India has big aspirations for the domestic market and it’s preparing a compact SUV and a three-row UV for the near future. However, the American SUV major definitely needs a brand new vehicle to strengthen its Indian portfolio immediately and garner volumes accompanying the Compass.
The FCA-owned brand entered India with Grand Cherokee and Wrangler that raised eyebrows for their steep price tags in 2016. Despite the initial hiccups, the right-hand-drive Compass was sort of a revelation when it was launched last year, as Jeep used Ranjangaon facility as a production hub for export as well as local sales.
Despite reaching 25,000 unit sales within a year of its market debut, the Compass has been facing sales drop in recent months. The absence of another big volume seller is certainly hurting the Jeep brand and looking at its international lineup the deficit can be mended only through Renegade.
We are glad that Jeep is doing just that! In an exclusive report, we can reveal that Jeep is preparing to introduce the smallest SUV in its fleet, the Renegade, in India. A company insider has confirmed us that the next generation Renegade has its eyes set on entering domestic showrooms.
Contrary to recent reports, the upcoming Jeep Compass could be showcased as early as 2020 Auto Expo, as a launch is firmly on the cards during the course of next financial year. Just as the Compass, it will be highly localised to compete in the compact premium SUV segment currently ruled by Hyundai Creta.
The segment will see increased contenders in the next couple of years and Jeep wants to make the most of it with its premium brand image. We expect the price range to hover around Rs. 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom) as Jeep hopes to reap good sales volume from the next generation Renegade.
Jeep will likely export the RHD Renegade to other potential markets across the globe from India as an added advantage. The Renegade is a top-seller for Jeep in several international markets and is tipped to make a big impact in India as well. The Renegade’s off-roading credentials should come in handy to distinguish itself from the rivals when it goes on sale.