Auto Expo 2016: Offroad champs, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and Cherokee SRT now in India

[Jijo_Malayil]

CorsaVeloce FYI, the new Endeavour is longer and taller than the Grand Cherokee. And I have a full 6/6 score on my recent eye test results. As the Cherokee is wider, I agree the Grand Cherokee has more road presence than the Ford Endeavour. Jeep is known for their legendary off-road heritage. But frankly, how many of these owners will take an SUV like this off-road? "In my opinion", it's just a waste of money.

[NikilSJ]

CorsaVeloce I'd rather buy the Ford Endeavour and kit it out to the max with the money I save not buying the Cherokee. Yes, Bollywood and mega-rich people will throng in a line to get their hands on the Cherokee no doubt. It has that commanding road presence that probably no other SUV can beat, not even the Land Cruiser. Why would I want to spend Rs 50 lakh for an SUV that equals the Endeavour in terms of on-road manners. I'd rather steal a bank and get the Grand Cherokee SRT instead!

[Ronny]

JijoMalayil It's true that indian mindset wants a true blue full blown 4X4 SUV but how many of them actually uses there toys what they are made for. In a country like ours the Road presence & status value matters the most no matter how much the product cost. Compare any SUV costing upwards of 30L rupees sales figure & u would find the most SUV competent enough to handle pretty much any terrain, but how many of them are found playing with dirt. If a similar vehicle for say Audi Q3 4X4 would be offered in a lower trim with 4X2 there would be less salesdespite being economical than 4X4. So the point is people in India buys the product which cost the most or suits there status but don't actually use that what they are meant for. Talking about Cherokee i think one of the first buyers would be actor Ranbir Kapoor as he has a good taste in Powerful SUV (G-Wagon AMG) . Jeep being a iconic brand would be bought by only those who actually knows the brand expertise else the smaller german rivals would rule the sales figure in the same segment.

[NikilSJ]

Ronny yes, you do have a point there. You are right about the mindset part. I have seen so many people go for the top-end model with 4x4 even though the sales person at the showroom says a 4x2 is enough for your daily needs. Somehow, owning a 4x4 has now become a status symbol rather than a symbol that you are an outdoorsy sort of a guy who likes going off-road once in a while. Unless that mindset changes, expect to see these big SUVs prowling the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh or wherever instead of the great outdoors.

[CorsaVeloce]

NikilSJ and JijoMalayil, I cannot believe how you guys are even talking about the Cherokee and Endeavor in a single sentence! They are poles apart and belong to DIFFERENT SEGMENTS. Again, while you are in the market for a BIG Jeep, you will not buy the slightly smaller Ford. Period. And as far as serious off roading is concerned, neither of these cars is really gonna be cut out for that NikilSJ. And JijoMalayil, I really dont think its a waste of money. How many people do you know of who take their 60 lakh rupee SUV off road? I don't think anyone does. And if they do want to, they buy a cheaper Thar or Gypsy along with the bigger SUV to have fun in!

[NikilSJ]

CorsaVeloce all I am saying is that it is a shame when you buy such an expensive SUV and don't take it off-road - the primary function for what it was built. If I was nuts about going off-road every once in a while and could afford one of the two cars, I'd rather go for the Ford Endeavour as it will be cheaper to repair and service when compared to the CBU-sourced Jeep Cherokee. The Cherokee will definitely be a hit among the uber-rich for sure with it's looks. If I wanted to buy a Cherokee, it will be a decision I will have to take from my heart rather than the small head of mine but not so with the Endeavour.

[Ronny]

NikilSJ Totally agree with you but If i were you & had to take a decision on a car which can outperform any terrain, has better road presence, can be repaired easily would be Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with shorter wheelbase. This is the car built for a reason not for your daily rides. Obviously T&C applied here IF I HAD GOOD MONEY. As CorsaVeloce said both the Cherokee and the Endeavour are good off-road performers with decent punch and can't be compared directly. Obviously, the Cherokee has much more technology beside the 4X4 than the Endeavour and would anyday perform better than Endeavour, The point is if a customer gets 90% of the vehicle capability at half the price why not to go for Endeavour.

[JOY_MRC]

Jeep brand has the Iconic value which the Ford lacks (Royal Enfield bikes sell like hotcakes for this reason only). I think people who will buy this car will put the brand value over the actual purpose. People who can afford these are probably bored with their Jaguars, Range Rovers and other stuff and are looking for something which has the initial exclusivity factor and has the rugged, go-anywhere image. Rs 50 lakh is also a great price range for the wannabe Evoque buyer to jump to the Jeep Wrangler. As long as it's comfy inside, offers good ride on our roads and has got the looks, it will sell.

[NikilSJ]

JOY MRC I feel people buying it just for the looks and the rugged image of the car and not actually using it for the purpose it was built for to be a crying shame. Yes, the Cherokee will be a better alternative to the cramped and outdated (platform-wise) Range Rover Evoque.