2016 Auto Expo: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler showcased

Fiat has been planning to bring the Jeep brand to India for a while and now it seems that the day is finally here. In a press conference at the 2016 Auto Expo today, Fiat announced the launch of the Jeep brand with the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler. The sales of the Jeep will begin in mid-2016 with the Grand Cherokee available only as the SRT variant. 

A local production model has also been mulled as we could see a completely made in India product by as early as 2017.

Merging luxury with off-roading ability, the Grand Cherokee sports a typically American design language. The front end with the chrome grille and the wide stance makes the Grand Cherokee look absolutely butch. Although the design is rather boxy, thanks to the bulk all around the Grand Cherokee looks quite appealing.

The Grand Cherokee will come to Indian shores with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine that is good for 237 horses This engine comes mated to a ZF sourced eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its bulk, the Grand Cherokee is capable of hitting the ton in just over eight seconds. The Jeep Grand Cherokee when will go against the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Aside from the Grand Cherokee, Jeep will also have some for the hardcore off-roaders – the Wrangler which is easily among the world’s most hardcore off-roaders. Over the years the Wrangler has not just grown in terms of its design but also its interiors and comfort. The Wrangler now flaunts better quality, improved NVH levels and improved drivability. The Wrangler has been launched with a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel mill that pumps out 200 horses and 460Nm of torque. Jeep has introduced the Wrangler to India in the two-door as well as the long wheelbase four-door avatar.

The Wrangler has been brought to India via the CBU route and will compete against the likes of the new Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and even some of the premium brands like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the Audi Q3.