We have seen them at the Auto Expo, finished off with our first drives of them and have even taken one for this year’s Slushfest. We have done all that we could do with the Jeeps, save for knowing how much would they actually cost in India. Well it seems that the wait is over, because Jeep is officially going to be launched in India on August 31st.
Only two models are going to be available at launch, the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While Wrangler and the Cherokee are going to be sold only as CBUs (Completely Built Units), Jeep plans to manufacture the upcoming C-SUV in India; a small SUV based on the Fiat 500X platform.
Unfortunately there are no plans, as of now, of selling the smaller wheelbase Wrangler in India. What we are getting instead is the long wheelbase ‘Unlimited’ variant with a 2.8-litre diesel, good for 197 bhp.
The Grand Cherokee will be available with two engine choices. The more sane and luxurious ‘Limited’ and ‘Summit’ variants will be powered by a 240 bhp 3.0-litre diesel, while the SRT gets the 475 bhp 6.4-litre Hemi V8. Both engines are coupled with a eight-speed automatic transmission and come with four wheel drive systems. The Limited variant acts as the entry level model, missing some features like individual rear seat displays, a panaromic sunroof and a rear limited-slip differential which is standard on the Summit. Higher up the ladder is the SRT, with a 19 speaker Harman Kardon system and launch control.
At the launch, Jeep is also expected to announce the details of the new Jeep dealerships, which will, for now, be restricted to the few metros.
