For the off roaders keenly waiting for iconic brand Jeep’s entry, the brand has finally stepped into Indian shores with Wrangler and Grand Cherokee to kick start the things. The Eat, sleep, Jeep, repeat is finally here, after making us wait for two long years. Known for reliable, rugged machines, Jeep not only wants to attract the enthusiasts but also the luxurious SUV buyers. Jeep will start its operations with ten Jeep exclusive dealerships in India with New Delhi (2 outlets) and Ahmedabad, Outlets in Mumbai and Chennai will be active from October while Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kochi and Bangalore will start later this year. What does the American automajor has in store for us? Let’s glance through it.
Price:
Grand Cherokee, the rugged yet luxurious SUV makes its way into Indian market in three variants– Limited, Summit and top spec CRT version. The initial range is pretty high which signifies brand’s intentions to target elite class like rich businessmen etc. The Cherokee limited version cost at Rs. 93.64 lakh while the Summit version has been priced at Rs. 1.03 crore. The top ranging Cherokee SRT set you back at a whopping price of Rs. 1.12 crore. All the prices are of ex-showroom Delhi.
Engine details:
Grand Cherokee, the main stay of Jeep brand in India is available with automatic gearboxes and 4WD drive system. The Limited and Summit trims takes its juice from a 3.0l V6 diesel motor that makes 240bhp power and 570Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are taken care by an eight speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. The power will be sent to all four wheels via a Quadra Trac II for the limited version and Quadra Drive II for Summit variant. Both the trims can accomplish the ARAI rated mileage of 12.8 Kmpl.
The High performance oriented Cherokee SRT draws power from a massive 6.4 litre HEMI V8 oil burner producing 470bhp and 630Nm torque. It comes mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters as standard and selec terrain AWD system with some set ups for traction control, transfer case and throttle control. Launch control enable the unit to hit a ton from standstill in less than 5 seconds. As all the variants are available with diesel engines as of now, Jeep will launch petrol derivatives of its range by the end of 2016. It is expected to give a calming and stimulating experience on driving and also provides a stable speed with a balanced ride.
Space:
In terms of space and dimensions, it’s a big SUV with dimensions of 4828mm length, 1943mm width and 1802mm tall. The wheelbase stands at 2915mm which translates into ultra spacious and roomy cabin for a five seater SUV. It has an ample ground clearance of 205mm while the boot capacity is rated at 1025 liters which can be further stretched to 1945 liters when second row seats are folded.
Colors:
The six eye glittering colors in which grand Cherokee and SRT is available- Bright white, Billet Silver metallic, Brilliant black, Deep cherry red crystal pearl, Granite Crystal metallic and true blue pearl (available only in Summit and Limited trims).
Interior and Exterior:
Talking about the outside glimpse, the first noticeable thing is macho and muscular American styling. You will be certainly taken aback by aggressive look flanked by six toothed front grille with glossy front end, Bi-xenon HID headlamps with signature LED daytime running lights and menacing bumper with projector fog lamps. The wide shoulders, massive 18 inch/ 20 inch (SRT) aluminium polished alloy wheels, electrically adjustable ORVMs with heating and memory function, chrome strip under the windows and LED tail lamps quite compliments the overall sporty stance of the SUV.
For such sky rocketing price, Jeep is offering some high end features on Summit variant such as a seven inch multi utility infotainment system, Nappa leather seats with premium headliner, infrared dual zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and Go, Alpine audio system, interior front foot well, panoramic sunroof, tinted glass, central console lighting, power liftgate opening and a five inch U connect touchscreen system for HVAC control integration, electronic vehicle information centre personalization plus, and multi-connectivity support.
The Summit variant gets rear blu-ray infotainment screen including dual 9 inch screens for the rear passengers supporting USB, Aux-in, audio, MP3 and HDMI ports for connecting external devices. It is also bundles with wireless remote and headphones. Features like Harmon Kardon with 19 speakers, 10 inch subwoofer and 506 watt amplifier, an 8.4 inch touchscreen with full feature navigation, Ipod integration, steering wheel with bunch of control buttons, ventilated front seats, rain sensing wiper adds to the luxury quotient of the SUV.
The range topping SRT trim consists of dual heat extractors on bonnet, adaptive bi-xenon HID headlamps with LED DRLs, 8.4 inch touchscreen with GPS navigation, heated flat bottom steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, leather draped instrument panel, centre armrest and upper door trim, Harmon Kardon audio system with 19 speakers, SRT performance brakes with red six pistons, eight way adjustable front seats and rear brembo calipers increase the glimpse of this SUV.
Safety:
The Grand Cherokee is based on UniFrame construction and has plethora of safety features like limited slip differential, adaptive damping system, park view rear camera, front and rear park assist system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, trailer sway control (TSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), all speed traction control, electronic roll mitigation+ (ERM), brake assist, hill start assist, hill descent control, eight airbags including front and rear side curtain airbags, LATCH (Lowers anchors and tethers for children) Ready Child Seat Anchor System, security alarm and rain brake support to name a few.
Car Zoom’s take:
Grand Cherokee will surely create excitement among the enthusiasts as well rich class of buyers thanks to its aggressive and masculine stance, availability of long lasting features well supported by range of safety features. It is expected to build a new reputation of Jeep in India and the brand will strengthen its roots with upcoming launches like Renegade and C-SUV.
