Jeep Meridian now unofficially available for pre-orders through select dealerships
What's the story
Jeep is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated Meridian SUV in India on March 29. Now, select dealers have begun the pre-orders for the premium four-wheeler. It must be noted that the company has not officially started any such initiative. To recall, the car broke cover in the country last month and it is expected to be offered with three engine options.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Jeep Meridian is a rebranded version of the Commander SUV that was unveiled globally last year. With over 80% localization, it is the company's first seven-seater SUV in India. Being a premium offering from the carmaker, it is not surprising that certain dealerships have started pre-bookings for the four-wheeler. It is bound to take the competition in the premium SUV segment up a notch.
Exteriors
The SUV sports a signature seven-slat grille
Jeep Meridian has a Compass-inspired design, featuring a sculpted hood, a seven-slat grille, LED headlights, a front bumper with integrated LED DRLs, and a blacked-out air dam. It is flanked by roof rails, ORVMs, and 17/18-inch alloy wheels. Horizontally-placed LED taillamps, a bumper with reflectors, a boot-lid mounted number plate recess, a wiper and washer, and an integrated spoiler grace the rear end.
Information
Three engine options will be available
Jeep Meridian will draw power from a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol petrol engine (185hp/270Nm), a 2.4-liter Tigershark diesel motor that generates 184hp/243Nm, and a 2.0-liter Multi-jet diesel unit (170hp/350Nm). Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed DCT, and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.
Interiors
The four-wheeler has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment panel
Jeep Meridian gets a dashboard with premium soft-touch materials, seven seats, ventilated and power-adjustable front row seats, a multifunctional steering wheel, and USB slots with fast-charging support. It packs a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment panel with support for UConnect 5 and OTA updates. Passengers' safety is ensured by six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a 360-degree-view camera.
Information
Jeep Meridian: Pricing and availability
Jeep will disclose the official pricing and availability details of the Meridian SUV in India on March 29. However, it will carry a premium over the Compass SUV, which starts at Rs. 17.79 lakh (ex-showroom).