Jeep might onset a price war in India’s premium SUVs segment

The iconic American SUV brand Jeep is all set to make its debut on the Indian roads in August this year and that too with a locally-made model. The vehicle would most likely be priced around Rs 15-16 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new models are a part of Jeep's strategy to dive deep into high-potential markets of India, Brazil, and China.

The vehicle, christened Compass off-roader (available in 1400cc petrol engine and 2,000cc diesel) will be made at the company's plant located at Ranjangaon in Pune, will later be followed up with a smaller SUV Renegade, priced around Rs 10 lakh.

Jeep, which is a part of Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group, is popular across the globe as one of the most exciting SUV brands, and as it is set to enter India, it’d add fuel to the already competitive auto market in the country.

Kevin Flynn, president and MD of FCA India, said that they have made India a manufacturing hub for right-hand drive markets, including South Africa, UK and Australia.

"It was a strategic decision to bring the Compass to India," Flynn told TOI.

Talking of the vehicle, Compass has a length of 4,395 mm and has a maximum power of 170 BHP with the diesel engine. It will come with manual and automatic transmissions, 4X4 versions, and would most likely be priced between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 23 lakh (for the top-end).

In India, it would compete with Hyundai's Creta and Tucson, VW's Tiguan, BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.

(Image source Rocky Road Outfitters)