We tell you all about the upcoming launch from Jeep India, the Jeep Meridian 2022. The Meridian is a 7-seater SUV that will rival the Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Fortuner & MG Gloster.
Jeep Meridian 2022 essentially is an elongated version of the Compass, just as the case with Alcazar & Creta. just like the Koreans, the Americans too have designed the SUV to exhibit some levels of distinctiveness, when compared to the five-seater Compass.
Speaking of how it looks, the front now looks bolder and much more aggressive. It is the right fit between the Compass and the Cherokee, with its slimmer but wider headlamps, larger air dam and bold chrome lines running edge to edge of the bumper. The seven-slot vertical grille looks much loud than before with its black treatment and the lack of chrome. The side profile is where the Meridian becomes unrecognisable, due to the increment in dimensions of the chassis. the wheelbase of the Meridian is 2794 mm, so without a doubt, the proportions do make it look like a 7-Seater SUV. The longer overhangs showcase the large D-pillar of the body along with an upright boot design, which is quite similar to the large proportioned American SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade. The rear end of the Meridian houses narrow two-part LED tail lamps, following the flat-upright design at the rear end. Complimenting the large proportions of the body are the 18-inch alloy wheels with tasteful chrome accents.
The interior of the Meridian won’t surprise you with any wow element, as it is identical to the Jeep Compass. It just gets a little more finesse with a dark tan theme around the cabin with perforated and quilted leather seats. The seats are probably only thing that will set the two siblings apart. In terms of the modern tech and features, the Meridian comes well kitted with a 10.1-inch touch infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system is paired to a premium 9-speaker surround system from Alpine. In terms of comfort features, the Meridian gets front powered seats, cruise control, a powered tailgate & a 360-degree parking camera.
The Meridian is well-kitted in terms o safety as well, it gets six airbags, traction control, ESC, hill start and descent control.
What powers the Jeep Meridian, is the 2.0 Litre 4-Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel engine, which propels 170 HP & 370 Nm in its stock tune. This is the same engine being offered on the Compass. However, Jeep India has not revealed the power figures yet, they might tune the engine to increase the power by a slight margin to counter the additional weight of the SUV. The Meridian will be launched with two gearbox offerings a 6-Speed Manual & a 9-Speed Torque Converter Automatic. There will be an option of two drivetrains, an FWD & an AWD. The AWD variant will get the selectable drive modes like the snow, sand & auto. The AWD might also get the 4-low gearing to enhance its off-roading capabilities. The Meridian will only be launched with the 2.0 Litre Diesel engine and the brand has not commented on the offering of any petrol powertrain.
The Jeep Meridian is expected to launch soon in the coming month of May. Considering its broad range of rivals the Skoda Kodiaq and the segment-best, Toyota Fortuner, we expect it to be priced between Rs 32-40 Lakhs. The Seven Seater SUV is also said to be coming with a 6-seat layout and a petrol powertrain down the line.
Highlights:
- Rivals: Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster & Toyota Fortuner
- Seven-Slot Vertical Grille
- Wheelbase- 2794 mm
- Two-Part LED Tail Lamps
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- 10.1-Inch Touch Infotainment System
- Wireless Smartphone Connectivity
- 9-Speaker Alpine Music System
- Comfort features- Front Powered Seats, Powered Tailgate & 360-Degree Parking Camera
- Safety Features- Six airbags, Traction control, ESC, Hill Start and Descent Control
- 2.0 L Turbocharged Diesel Engine
- 170 HP & 370 Nm Torque
- Gearbox- 6-Speed Manual / 9-Speed Torque Converter Automatic
- Expected Price-Rs 32-40 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)
