Jeeps are here, starting at Rs 71 lac
Hardcore fans will be disappointed at the perceived high pricing
No sooner had FCA announced the prices of the Jeep models in India did social media erupt with drama, angst and hilarity. Of the four models announced for India delivery, the cheapest Jeep you can buy starts at Rs 71 lac ex-showroom. At the launch event we attended in Jodhpur, officials played up the formidable heritage and connect to the Indian buyer through the decades, and we were introduced to several vintage models in the stables of former royals.
Jeep will sell the Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee in India. The Wrangler is only available in one trim, powered by a 200PS, 460Nm 2.8-litre diesel motor. It’s a butch and clever vehicle with some amazing utility features. The doors come off entirely, for instance, as does most of the roof, while a soft-top is included at the back. You can just hose off the interior if it gets mucky, and exceptional 4x4 capabilities are a given. This is what you get for Rs 71 lac.
The Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s full-size SUV and will be available in two diesel versions using a 3.0-litre 240hp motor and a mad 6.4-litre 470hp HEMI V8 petrol version. Considering the relatively minor price diff erences between the models, it would make sense to buy the full-bore V8 model. Jeep offi cials were at pains to explain that this is just the beginning. An exclusive dealer network is coming as are made-in-India models at much more affordable prices in 2017, when their Ranjangaon plant begins production.
