Iconic Jeep all set for India launch in September

American SUV manufacturer Jeep will make its official entry into the Indian market in September, initially launching the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler. Market watchers expect the Grand Cherokee SRT to follow soon.

All these vehicles were showcased at this year's Delhi Auto Expo where the manufacturer said that it is all set to begin its operations in India during 2016. It even organised an exclusive session with a few prospective buyers and later on the Jeep Wrangler was seen being tested in India, all pointing towards the seriousness of the company towards establishing itself in the country.

The Grand Cherokee is available in there avatars namely the Limited, Summit and SRT. The first two feature a 3.0-litre V6 Eco-Diesel engine while the latter is equipped with a 6.4-litre HEMI V8.

All three get the same 8-speed, paddle shift equipped automatic gearbox as standard. The 3.0-litre V6 can pump out 240bhp while the HEMI V8 can churn out 475Bhp of power.

Wrangler, the hard-core off roader will be powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine, which can churn out 197bhp along with 460Nm of peak torque. Transmission will be handled by a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

It comes equipped with a very functional cabin that is high on quality. It comes loaded with features like Command Tech 4X4 system, antilock brakes and ABS, Hill decent and Hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and Traction control as well.

For now, Jeep will be importing all the three cars as CBUs in India but the company plans to soon start local assembly for the same. Since Jeep is owned by Fiat-Chrysler group, it will benefit from the former's plan to expand its plant based near Pune and we might see Indian made Jeeps coming to India as soon as the latter part of 2017.