Jeep Meridian Facelift Bookings Open: To get ADAS, 5 And 7 Seat Options
The Jeep Meridian is soon to get a facelift in India, which is anticipated to up the value proposition and appeal of the SUV. The carmaker has officially opened bookings for the facelifted SUV and partially revealed the changes that are to be expected. Jeep could give it new features, design tweaks, and more flexibility for buyers. One of the biggest changes would be the introduction of both 5-seater and 7-seater layouts. This will give the buyer more options to choose from. The facelift can be booked against a token amount of Rs 50,000. Here are the key highlights of the upcoming SUV:
Addition of a 5-Seat Variant
The introduction of a 5-seater version will allow Jeep to price the Meridian more competitively and cater to more customer segments. It could help them lure buyers looking for a premium SUV without the need for seven seats, and with a large boot. The Meridian has always remained a 7-seater model in India, priced in the range of 31.23 – 39.83 lakh.
With the advent of the rumoured 5-seater, these prices could drop considerably. Even when Jeep has always insisted on projecting the Meridian as a mini Cherokee, many saw it as the 7-seater Compass. This brings us to the question: How will Jeep position the 5-seater Meridian while still maintaining its persona, when the Compass itself is selling in the price range of 18.99 to 32.41 lakh, ex-showroom?
To Get Subtle Design Tweaks
The facelift will come with a few subtle design changes compared to the outgoing one. It will, however, not go too far from the original, in design. Minor changes could be seen in the seven-slat grille, new front and rear bumpers, and redesigned taillights. There will also be new 18-inch wheels offered.
The cabin will also have an updated theme to it. It could replace the Beige bits on the outgoing model with a new Grey colour. The Chrome trims will make way for new Copper finishes. Jeep will likely introduce improved upholstery, a new HVAC panel, more features and better-quality trims.
The new SUV could come with features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and level 2 ADAS. As per what Stellantis had recently announced, the upcoming Jeep models will have more features and tech additions.
The ADAS suite on the facelift will likely come with functions such as lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking, offering more secure and comfortable driving experiences.
Powertrain Specifications
Powertrains could remain untouched on the new Meridian. At present the SUV comes with the same 2.0L diesel engine as the outgoing mode, which is capable of producing 170 hp and 350 Nm. It comes mated to a 9AT automatic gearbox. There will be both 4×2 and 4×4 variants to the upcoming SUV as well.
Jeep is also rumoured to be working on a 2.0 L petrol engine which will first debut on the Compass. This could then be considered for the Meridian as well. But the timelines and plans for this are yet to be known. It is not likely that this engine will be available at the facelift’s launch.
Jeep’s India Plans
The facelifted Meridian is one of the several launches planned for the Indian market. The company now has plans of foraying into more affordable segments where the footfalls are very high. Also, it has revealed its intention to introduce timely updates to the existing portfolio and launch new products more often. These are all part of the brand’s revival strategy as the sales numbers have lately been on a decline.