Jeep to make India entry on Aug. 31; Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee on offer

Putting an end to months of speculations, Jeep, the iconic American utility vehicle manufacturer, is set to make its India entry towards the end of August. Jeep has been eyeing the Indian market for quite a long time now, but the launch got delayed several times for various reasons.

Jeep made its India debut at the Auto Expo 2016 in February. The company's portfolio for the country will initially include two models — the Wrangler Unlimited and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The UV maker will make its grand India entry at a special event on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

The company will initially bring this model to India as Completely Built Up (CBU) units. Jeep is said to be considering the local assembly at Ranjagaon plant in Pune in 2017. Jeep Wrangler will be powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that belts out 197bhp and 460Nm of torque mated to five-speed automatic transmission. The power will be transmitted to all four wheels. The ARAI rated fuel efficiency of the SUV is 12.1kmpl. It has a ground clearance of 238mm.

On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee will be sold in three variants — Limited, Summit and Grand Cherokee SRT. While the Limited and Summit variants will come powered by 3.0-litre V6 Eco diesel engine that develops 240bhp and 570Nm of torque, the performance spec variant of the Grand Cherokee SRT will get a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol unit that produces 469bhp and 630Nm of torque mated to a eight-speed AT and AWD system.

The Grand Cherokee will feature Bi-Xenon headlamps with DRLs and tail lamps with LED lighting. While the Summit gets 20-inch alloy wheels, the Limited variant of Grand Cherokee will ride on 18-inch alloy wheels. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features removable tops and doors.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to be priced starting at around Rs. 80 lakh and go all the way up to Rs. 1 crore (ex-showroom).