India-Bound Jeep 551 – New Rendered Image

The new C-SUV from Fiat-Chrysler under the Jeep brand is slated to be introduced in 2017. This SUV, codenamed 551 will be manufactured in India. This time we have a new rendered image by Auto Bild that predicts how this SUV might look like.

As reported earlier, Fiat wants the new SUV to look similar to the Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep 551 is based on the same platform as the  Fiat Toro pick-up truck and it will globally replace the Jeep Compass and Jeep Liberty. Having similar looks as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the 551 has the Jeep signature seven bar grille with chrome surrounds. A large honeycomb air intake is present on the front bumper, surrounded by black cladding that runs around the vehicle.

The Jeep 551 shares most of its mechanical structure including suspension systems with the Renegade and Toro. Engine options will include a 2.0 litre petrol motor with 156bhp and a similar capacity Multijet II diesel motor, yielding 170bhp. This will supposedly be mated to a six-speed manual as well as a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will also come in a 4X4 version.The 551 is supposed to be larger in size than the Jeep Renegade.

Fiat will be officially launching the Jepp brand at at the 2016 Auto Expo, next month and has already set up dealerships in 5 major cities, which will be increased to 25 by next year, making a good platform for the India launch of the locally produced Jeep 551. This SUV is expected to be priced between INR15-20 lakhs (on-road), which is slightly above the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.