In India, the Jeep Meridian locks horns with the MG Gloster, the Skoda Kodiaq, and the Toyota Fortuner. It is powered by the proven 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine.
By Sanorita
The Jeep Commander, which goes by the name Meridian in India, has received a more powerful 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine in Brazil. The new engine, available in the top-end Overland variant, delivers 197bhp and 450Nm — a significant bump of 29bhp and 70Nm over the older 2.0-litre diesel unit, which produced 168bhp and 380Nm. While Jeep has not officially confirmed the reason behind the engine upgrade, it is widely believed that the move was influenced by customer input and changing market demands.
Notably, the Indian version of the Meridian continues with the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine, which was also previously available in Brazil. Thanks to its local manufacturing, solid performance record, and adaptability to Indian driving conditions, this engine is likely to remain the preferred choice for the domestic market. It also powers other popular models such as the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, Safari, and the MG Hector range, and is fully compliant with the BS6 Phase-2 emission regulations.
To match its more powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, the updated Jeep Commander gains mechanical upgrades such as larger front brakes for better stopping and a 9-speed automatic gearbox with optimised gear ratios for the increased torque. The vehicle also incorporates the ARLA 32 emissions reduction technology, similar to the Ram Rampage, to lower nitrogen oxide output.
Also Read: Jeep Meridian Limited (O) AT 4x4 Variant Relaunched in India at Rs 36.79 Lakh
With the new setup, the SUV has reduced its 0–100km/h sprint time to 9.7 seconds from the previous 11.6 seconds.
Jeep has revealed the third-gen Compass for the global market, with a fresh design and advanced technology. The new Jeep will offer hybrid and fully electric variants to meet the demand of environmentally-conscious buyers. It is slated to go on sale in Europe first, with deliveries expected by the end of this year. In terms of design, the all-new Compass is inspired by the Jeep Avenger. It has sharper LED headlights, slender air intakes, and sturdy bumpers.
While the silhouette is the same, the SUV now gets shorter overhangs and wider wheel arches. It comes fitted with 20-inch alloys on the higher-spec models. Inside, the car gets a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a bigger 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For now, there's no official announcement, but we can expect the new-gen Compass to hit our shores sometime next year.