The upcoming Compact SUV (C-SUV) from Jeep is a highly awaited model in the country that will be targeted at several developed and emerging markets including India. Now, ahead of the official unveil expected later this month, the Jeep C-SUV has been caught completely undisguised revealing its exterior and will be replacing the Patriot and Compass SUVs in the company’s line-up.
Internally codenamed Project 551, the Jeep C-SUV is based on the Small Wide 4×4 platform, which also underpins the Renegade, the automaker’s smallest SUV yet. In terms of design however, things are dramatically different as Jeep has taken a down-sizing route and the C-SUV looks like a scaled down version of the Grand Cherokee. Certainly, the SUV boasts of a premium touch and also feels closer to the Jeep family.
The design is certainly appealing with the trademark Jeep front grille with a muscular hood, and comes with a contrast black finished roof. The rear gets wraparound LED tail lights, and the overall profile looks elegant. The overall dimensions certainly look proportional with Jeep going for an abundant use of chrome, something the Indian market will appreciate.
The interiors still remain under wraps, but earlier spy shots have revealed a pleasing interior that will be sharing several components with the Renegade and other Jeep models. The C-SUV gets a black finished cabin with the a massive touchscreen infotainment display in the centre console, flanked by vertically stacked AC vents. You also get climate control, steering mounted controls and a whole lot more on the SUV. The C-SUV though will be a 5-seater.
Power is expected to come from 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options that will produce between 160-170hp, and will come mated to a 9-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission options. More clarity on the same will be available later this month.
The C-SUV was caught completely undisguised on the eve of the model’s official company presentation in Brazil. The official debut on the other hand is expected at the 2016 Sao Paulo Auto Show later this month in the Latin American country, while the US debut will take place at the LA Auto Show in November.
India will get the new C-SUV in the second half of 2017 with the model being locally manufactured with a high level of localisation at the company’s Ranjangaon facility.
All said, it isn’t clear yet if Jeep will opt for the Compass or Patriot nameplate for the all-new model. Expect that to be announced at the official unveil later this month, so make sure to stay tuned.
[“source-ndtv”]