Rs 15 lakh unique premium SUV in the works!
The compact SUV segment is the most crowded one as of today. After seeing the success of cars like Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, etc., every major carmaker wants a piece of this success. Check out our today’s following story on upcoming compact SUVs to know what all brands have this segment as their next target. However, there is one more brand that is working on a unique compact SUV. It is the American brand Jeep. It has been working on a new compact SUV which has been spied quite a couple of times. So, what will this premium SUV offer and why is it unique? Everything in this article.
New-generation Renegade? Probably not.
This Jeep compact SUV was initially rendered as the new-generation Renegade, however, it is still unclear whether it will actually be replacing the current SUV. Why, you ask? Because it does not exude the characters of a Renegade, especially the boxy styling. Rather, it comes with slightly curvy rear, something on the lines of the Jeep Compass. Moreover, if rumours are to be believed, this SUV could be shorter in dimensions when compared to the Renegade.
What will make this SUV unique?
Jeep as we know strongly associates with its ‘DNA’ of making rugged cars. Being rugged means that all its cars are capable of taking on difficult terrains. Now, in most cases, it is easy to throw in a capable drivetrain, however, problems arise when either the cost or the compatibility is an issue. But Jeep has already found a way to work around this problem; the 4Xe technology. 4Xe replicates 4X4 capabilities but incorporates an engine and a battery pack.
In 4Xe, the engine powers the front wheels while the battery pack powers the rear wheels. When both work in conjunction, the 4X4 effect is achieved. The technology that this SUV will come with will make it a very unique proposition in the market.
What could it offer?
This SUV is touted to come based on the PSA group’s e-CMP platform. This is the same platform which will underpin the India-bound Citroen EV set to come next year. As of now, there are no confirmations but it is highly likely that Jeep could use Citroen’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. This would enable the brand to offer this SUV in both pure ICE as well as hybrid powertrains (with the 4Xe technology).
As far as features are concerned, the SUV is expected to come with almost everything that a buyer would expect in this price range. Sunroof, a big touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, fully-digital instrument cluster, ventilated seats, etc. could be a part of the offer list.
When can we see this unique premium SUV in India?
Jeep is touted to unveil this SUV either by the end of this year or in 2023. Now, Jeep would probably be looking to target global markets first and then consider India because of the price-sensitive nature of buyers here. Now, pricing would be another challenge for Jeep. If this car comes to India, we expect it to start from somewhere between Rs 14 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (on-road) for the pure ICE variants. The hybrid (4Xe) setup would mostly cross the Rs 20 lakh mark and Jeep would have to market it accordingly. What is your take on this SUV? Does the 4Xe tech excite you? DO let us know in the comments.
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