In this photograph taken on July 15, 2019, a sales executive speaks to a customer at a Jeep showroom in New Delhi.
(Photo : MONEY SHARMA/AFP via Getty Images)
Jeep Meridian will be the name of the seven-seater SUV that Jeep India will launch in the middle of the year. Deccan Herald reported that Jeep India confirmed this when it made the huge announcement on Monday, February 14. The Meridian was selected from around 70 options considered by Jeep India, including some Jeep names from the global market.
Jeep India issued a press statement, saying that the company eventually picked the Meridian name as it is inspired by the line which connects "some of the most beautiful states and cultures" through the length of India.
The Meridian will be Jeep's first seven-seater SUV in India, with the vehicle being touted as a product that would further diversify the company's product lineup in the country. Nipun J Mahajan, the head of Jeep India, said that they tested the SUV on every kind of terrain India has to offer, taking the Meridian on a challenging journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Jeep India delighted with Meridian's performance on Indian terrain
Mahajan was delighted with the results, saying, "We are proud to say, the Jeep Meridian performed flawlessly. We are delighted to deliver today a car that is both Made-in-India and Made-for-India for our customers anticipating the Meridian."
Jeep India also confirmed that the Meridian SUV would debut in the country this year, but the company did not provide an exact timeline on when that actual launch will be, as per Hindustan Times. Roland Bouchara, CEO & Managing Director of Stellantis India, did issue a statement, saying their product offensive for 2022 and beyond will continue to illustrate their commitment to India as they work towards strengthening their market presence in the region.
Related Article: Stellantis Recalls Nearly 20,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Minivans Due to Fire Risk, Cause Still Unknown
Specs, features, and price of Jeep Meridian
No official confirmation has been given by Jeep India regarding the specs of the Meridian SUV as well. However, several reports have suggested that a 2.0-liter petrol motor could power the Meridian and that a diesel unit may also be made available for the Indian-made SUV. According to AutoCar India, an eight-speed automatic transmission box will likely handle transmission duties for the Jeep Meridian, with select variants of the SUV likely to get 4WD as well.
Jeep also has not revealed much about the features of the Meridian, but the company did promise that the list will be extensive. The features likely to be found inside the cabin of the Jeep Meridian are a 10.25-inch main infotainment screen, four-zone climate control, front ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
Jeep India will place the Meridian above the Compass in its vehicle lineup, with the company expected to set a starting price of ₹35 lakh for the SUV when it launches in India sometime this year. Jeep has high hopes for the Meridian, which will face many formidable rivals in the SUV segment of the Indian auto market in 2022, including the MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, and Toyota Fortuner.
READ MORE ON AWN:
Cheapest Benz No More: Mercedes-Benz Will Remove A-class Sedan From Its U.S. Lineup After 2022
California Sues Tesla Over Allegations of Racial Discrimination and Harassment of Black Workers
See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?
