Jeep India Working On Hyundai Creta-Rivaling SUV: To Use Citroen C3 Platform
The sub-20 lakh SUV segment is heating up, and it seems Jeep is gearing up to join the game. In a recent interaction with Autocar Professional, Shailesh Hazela, the newly appointed MD and CEO of Stellantis India reportedly expressed Jeep’s intention to foray into the sub-20 volume space. The manufacturer seems to be working on an SUV that could be priced between 17 and 25 lakh, ex-showroom, upon launch.
These comments confirm earlier reports of an upcoming compact SUV from Jeep. Although the project is still in its early stages, sources suggest that this new C-segment Jeep will likely be based on Citroen’s Common Modular Platform (CMP). This, if you recognize, is the same platform that underpins the recently launched Citroen Basalt coupe and the entire C3 range in India.
Jeep’s Sub-Compact SUV: What Do We Know About It Yet?
What sets this upcoming Jeep apart from competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Curvv, and other C-segment SUVs is the likely introduction of Jeep’s signature AWD or 4×4 tech, which would be a first in the segment. Hazela emphasized the importance of keeping the Jeep DNA safe in the new model, stating, “We aspire to play in that [sub-Rs 20 lakh] segment and keep the Jeep DNA, with the tech integrated, so we can sustain for 7-8 years.”
The upcoming SUV is expected to be a global product rather than an India-specific one. Multiple vehicles are being considered on the Citroen platform and will be introduced as a global product, aimed largely at ASEAN markets. The move aligns with Stellantis’s strategy to expand Jeep’s presence in more affordable segments, with models that are off-road capable and which keep the Jeep DNA safe.
A New Jeep Renegade Is Coming
A new generation Jeep Renegade is under works and is expected to arrive by 2027. The Renegade is Jeep’s smallest SUV in many global markets. The new generation is expected to host refreshed styling, better cabin and more features. It will be based on the CMP platform. It remains unclear if the production spec will be called Renegade in India.
Many would expect the SUV to be powered by the C3’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. However, the Renegade will be 4.2 meters in length. It thus doesn’t qualify for the ‘small car’ tax cuts. It would thus make no sense to settle for the small 1.2L engine, which could be slightly underpowered for a Jeep.
Sources suggest that it will likely have a more sophisticated EP6DT 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine. This engine was co-developed by BMW and PSA, and is part of the Prince family of engines. It can be had with multiple outputs. Considering the segment benchmarks, a 150 hp output seems to be the most probable.
Jeep previously had plans of bringing the current generation Renegade to India. The vehicle is underpinned by an iteration of the Small Wide platform found on the Compass. However, this essentially meant the Renegade would stand close to the Compass in pricing when launched. This would then be a major red flag for a Creta rival. Shifting to CMP in the next generation will allow Jeep to bring down costs and price it competitively.
Why Is This SUV Important For Jeep?
Jeep will soon shelve the Compass and Meridian SUVs. These will not get facelifts any time soon. Jeep’s upcoming compact SUV is expected to fill the gap left by the Compass. With the rising traction in the segment and proper pricing, Jeep will be able to find success with the new product. The manufacturer is also said to be working on a sub-compact SUV. The Renegade-based SUV will sit between this and the current Compass.
Jeep’s future plans for India also involve the launch of an EV based on the Renegade. Expected to be priced above 20 lakh, ex-showroom, this electric SUV will likely have 4×4 tech as well.