Jeep’s Sub-4m SUV Set To Debut Next Year

• Jeep’s intention of introducing a sub-4m SUV in India was officially announced in 2018.

• Thanks to the recent FCA (Fiat-Chrysler) and PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) merger, the car could be built on PSA’s smallest modular CMP platform.

• It could be manufactured for domestic sale as well as export at Citroen’s local facility.

• The sub-4m SUV could arrive here by late-2022 or early-2023.

Jeep is looking to broaden its lineup in India by introducing cars in other competitive segments. Following the announcement of the next Jeep model being a Toyota Fortuner rival, plans for its India-bound sub-4m SUV have also surfaced. A report also mentions that production of the Euro-spec version of this model will commence in 2022 at the Tychy factory in Poland.

The sub-4m SUV could be underpinned by PSA’s smallest modular platform -- Compact Modular Platform (CMP) -- thanks to the merger of FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) and PSA (Citroen and Peugeot’s parent company). This platform is capable of accommodating electric powertrains as well, leaving a lot of scope for sustainable additions in the future.

If it does utilise the CMP platform, the sub-4m SUV could be powered by Citroen’s locally produced 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. Another benefit of the merger is that Jeep can utilise Citroen’s manufacturing facilities in India as well with high levels of localisation. The facilities can also be used to manufacture right-hand-drive models for export.

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Jeep’s newest addition will sit below the current entry-level Renegade and serve as the smallest SUV offered by the brand yet. Like the Renegade 4xe (plug-in hybrid), it could also get a hybrid powertrain with a 4x4 setup wherein the engine drives the front wheels and an electric motor drives the rear. However, offering a hybrid powertrain in India might be impractical for this particular segment.

Expected to be a premium offering, Jeep is likely to load the sub-4m SUV with creature comforts such as connected car tech, a large touchscreen infotainment system, built-in air purifier, auto AC, LED lighting all around, and a sunroof. 

Image Used For Representational Purposes

This has been long overdue considering Jeep first announced its intention to introduce a sub-4m SUV in India back in 2018, with the pandemic probably causing a delay. With the global debut and production commencement both slated for 2022, the sub-4m SUV could make it to India by late-2022 or early-2023. Its size will put it in contention with the Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, and the Maruti Vitara Brezza. Since it is likely to be a premium offering, its price would put it up against the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos as well.

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