Seven-Seater Jeep Meridian Spotted Again In India; Launch In 2022

Jeep Commander Leaked

Jeep Meridian is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine developing more than 200 PS; likely launch in mid-2022

Around a week ago, Jeep unveiled official pictures of the Commander seven-seater SUV based on the Compass for the Brazilian market and it could have some similarities with the India-bound three-row SUV. The American SUV maker coming under the Stallantis umbrella has been working on a seven-seater SUV and a compact SUV for India.

The former will be the first one to arrive as can be judged from the flurry of spy pictures caught on camera while the sub-four-metre SUV could be a couple of years away. The Compass received a facelift earlier this year to extend the lifespan of the existing model and the upcoming seven-seater will compete against Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and MG Hector Plus.

It will be rolled out of FCA’s production facility in Ranjangaon and India may act as a manufacturing hub for the right-hand-drive model. Not too long ago, Jeep trademarked the Meridian name and it will more likely be used on the three-row SUV, bound for mid-2022. The latest spy shots show a test mule driven through the jammed up traffic in Bengaluru.

Jeep Meridian Spied India

The rear end having wraparound LED tail lamps and tweaked tailgate can be clearly seen as does the flattish roofline and a longer overhang behind the C-pillars. The front fascia of the Jeep Meridian will draw heavy influence from the existing Compass with a multi-slated vertical grille, rectangular headlights, high bonnet, pronounced wheel arches and newly designed alloy wheels.

Jeep could offer the Meridian in six- and seven-seater configurations to have an expansive range and structural changes will apparently be made to accommodate the third row. The cabin will have upmarket surface finishes, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system with the latest UConnect 5 connectivity, Electric Parking Brake, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and so on.

Jeep Compass 7-Seat Meridian Front 3 Quarter

Under the bonnet, the Jeep Meridian is expected to use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged MultiJet 2 diesel engine but it could be uprated to develop in excess of 200 PS. It could be linked with a six-speed MT or a nine-speed torque converter AT. A 1.4-litre turbo petrol mill could also be on offer pumping out 162 PS and 250 Nm.

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