Jeep India has finally unveiled the production-spec version of the Meridian full-size premium SUV that will be launched in June this year, whereas its test drives and official bookings are slated to begin in May 2022. On arrival, the Meridian will rub its shoulders against the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4, and Isuzu mu-X.
Jeep Meridian – Exterior Design and Dimensions
The Jeep Meridian is essentially an extended, three-row version of the Compass that is 4769mm long, 1859mm wide, 1682mm tall, and has a 2794mm wheelbase. That said, it is 364mm longer, 41mm wider, and 42mm taller than the younger sibling.
Design-wise, the Jeep Meridian looks sharp with its clean lines. Its front design is a mix of Grand Cherokee and Compass SUVs, featuring slim, horizontal headlamps and a seven-slat grille. Added to this list are aggressively styled bumper with two large chrome strips and black cladding along the bottom edges.
The SUV sits on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that replenish the squared-out wheel arches pleasingly. At the back, the Meridian is outfitted with slim LED tail lights.
Also Read: Jeep Compass Prices To Go Up From April 1
Jeep Meridian – Interior and Features
Inside, you’ll notice that its dashboard is a straight lift from the existing Compass, albeit in a new black-&-brown color scheme. At the centre, there’s the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is mated to the brand’s latest UConnect 5 infotainment system and also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Alexa voice commands, as well as OTA updates. It also features a digital instrument cluster, a 9-speaker Alpine sound system, dual-zone climate control, 8-way powered front seats with ventilation, a wireless smartphone charger, a powered tailgate, and much more.
Passenger safety is ensured by six airbags (across all variants), ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control, front & rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and advanced braking systems.
Seating Options
The Meridian will only be offered in a 7-seat layout at the time of launch, with recline adjustment for all three rows. Jeep claims that it will offer equal comfort in all three rows, and its rear door opens at an 80-degree angle, which will aid in easy ingress and egress.
Engine and Gearbox
As for the mechanical setup, the Jeep Meridian will get the same 170PS 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine as the Compass SUV, paired with a 6-speed manual and optional 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It will be offered in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants. However, the latter will be limited to automatic transmission only.
Also Read: Off-Road Capable Jeep Compass Trailhawk Makes Comeback At Rs 30.72 Lakh
Expected Price
Since Jeep Meridian will be a highly localized model (up to 82 percent of localization), we expect its prices to start from around Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom).
