Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept previews the brand's upcoming flagship

Jeep has been FCA's knight in shining armour for the last decade or so, riding high on the back of a slew of macho-looking, go-anywhere models tailor-made to take advantage of the SUV boom that gripped the industry. Now, in its quest to venture upmarket, Jeep is bringing back its storied 'Wagoneer' moniker that will be applied on a portfolio of vehicles that, the brand claims, will redefine "American premium".

The Grand Wagoneer Concept shown here likely previews the flagship Grand Wagoneer that will be joined by a not-so-expensive and not-as-luxurious Wagoneer. These will sit atop Jeep's line-up when they go on sale sometime in 2021.

Launched in 1963 under the ownership of Kaiser Jeep Corporation, the original Wagoneer pioneered the luxury 4WD niche at a time when rivals General Motors, Ford, International Harvester and Land Rover were churning out utilitarian off-road vehicles with spartan interiors. That it remained in production - with just minor changes - until 1991 is a testimony to the fact Jeep got the formula right.

If the Grand Wagoneer ends up looking like this concept - which, in all likelihood, it will - Jeep has got it right again. 30 years later!

Despite steering clear of the 'oversized grilles' trend that has gripped most new cars these days, the Grand Wagoneer looks bold and imposing when viewed up front. Thank the familiar 7-slot grille that's now narrow and finished in "Obsidian Black". Book-ending the grille are narrow LED headlights with teak wood detailing. A full-width light bar and raised and illuminated 'Wagoneer' lettering add to the bling quotient. In profile, those flared, trapezoidal wheel arches and large, body-coloured pillars accentuate the size of the Grand Wagoneer with the design around the D-pillar standing out. The rear mimics the front with full-width light bars and thin tail-light clusters book-ending a recessed license plate holder.

If the exteriors don't impress you, the interiors surely will. Jeep has gone all out to make sure the Grand Wagoneer Concept is seen as a legitimate rival to the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. 

The cabin is well-styled, well-appointed with lots of sustainable material used for its construction and rich in tech with a grand total of - believe it or not - 7 touchscreens spread across two rows controlling the infotainment and other functions. There's one ahead of the driver, two on the center console, one ahead of the front passenger, two mounted on the front seat headrests and one on the floor console ahead of the second row. Phew! By the way, the flagship Jeep gets a 23-speaker McInstosh audio system.

Jeep has not revealed much more on the new Wagoneer range including power-train specifications. What's been said though is this concept is a plug-in hybrid, so it's safe to assume the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will offer some sort of electrification at launch. 

Not just Chevrolet and Ford, it's time even Cadillac and Lincoln roll their sleeves up and get ready for the fight. Here I come, says Jeep!

2018 Los Angeles - Jeep Gladiator, the brand's first pick-up in 26 years, makes its debut

Americans love Jeeps. And they are obsessed with pick-up trucks. Ironically though, Jeep has not had a pick-up in it's portfolio for the last 26 years. Having missed out on ever-growing sales and ever-soaring profits from pick-ups for more than two decades, Jeep has decided they have had enough. In comes the Gladiator, making it's much-awaited global debut at the ongoing 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. 

As soon as the officials at Jeep wanted to make a pick-up, it was clear that it would be based on the Wrangler. The spy-shots that came in later was more proof that the pick-up bearing the Jeep name is an extension - quite literally - of the Wrangler. Now that the curtains are off, that's exactly what the Gladiator is. And we're glad at that, given Wrangler's iconic looks, rich legacy and crazy fan-following. 

As Jeep proudly claims, the Gladiator is a modern take on authentic Jeep design cues that we have seen and grown in love with. Those familiar seven slats that form the grille, the circular headlights, that clam-shell hood with side opening levers, the foldable windshield, the detachable doors with external hinges, those massive wheel arches that protrude from the body, you name them and the Gladiator has them. What's new though is the bed aft of the rear doors. Like the facelifted Wrangler that made its debut earlier this year, the Gladiator also gets LED lighting signatures that look super cool.

Jeeps have always had the go to match their show and the Gladiator is no different. Armed with Command-Trac and Rock-Trac 4x4 systems, third-gen Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lock front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, a segment-exclusive electronic sway-bar disconnect and 33-inch off-road tires, the Gladiator can take you to places only a Jeep can. If you think all those off-roading credentials come at the expense of practicality, you're wrong. This Jeep pick-up has best-in-class towing and payload capacities amongst all mid-size trucks. Yes, it can tow upto 7,650 pounds and carry upto 1,600 pounds, more than what a Ford Ranger or a Chevrolet Colorado could.

Jeep is well aware of the fact that Gladiator customers are likely to buy it as a lifestyle choice rather than a workhorse truck. That explains why this truck comes with open-air motoring ability - sans windshield and doors - that's unique to the Jeep and a long list of official accessories for taking along your ATV, dirt bikes, skateboards and even speed boats. Mopar, Jeep's official customizing arm, is likely to have it's own list of goodies for the Gladiator right from launch too.

The cabin features an upright design and stance that's pretty much the same as that in the Wrangler. Unique metal-plated accents abound as do bolts on the shifter, grab handles and the infotainment screen's frame. Instrument cluster features a standard 3.5-inch screen or an optional 7.0-inch TFT LED screen that allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways. Depending on the variant, the UConnect infotainment system gets a 5.0-, 7.0- or a 8.4-inch touchscreen seated atop the center stack. Safety is taken care of as well with features like Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, Adaptive Cruise Control and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation being part of the kit.

Powering the Gladiator is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine that churns out 285 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. Come 2020, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 joins the lineup too generating 260 horsepower and 599 Nm of torque. The diesel is exclusively paired to the 8-speed automatic gearbox that's tuned to handle the massive torque rating of this engine. 

Production of the Jeep Gladiator would being in the first half of 2019 with the truck expected to go on sale shortly afterwards. With Jeep posting impressive gains on the sales charts and demand for pick-ups continuing unabated, the Gladiator is all set for a homerun in the United States of America. The mid-size pick-up truck slug fest just got a whole lot tougher!

Jeep Compass launched in India; base variant priced at a superb ₹14.95 Lakhs

After months of testing our patience, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) finally launched the much-awaited Jeep Compass in India today. Priced between ₹14.95 Lakhs and ₹20.65 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, Jeep’s first ‘Made in India’ product sports an aggressive price tag, especially the entry-level variant.

Available in three trim levels – Sport, Latitude and Limited, the Compass targets a wide spectrum of customers and price points. Two engines, a petrol and diesel, are on offer. While both are turbocharged, the former is a 1.4-liter TwinAir mill that generates 162 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque and the latter, a 1.20-liter MultiJet II that churns out 173 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, the latter only available on the petrol variants. Similarly, four-wheel-drive and Jeep’s famous Selec-Terrain traction system are available only on the top-end diesel variant. So, there goes your dream of owning a Compass diesel with automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive option down the drain!

The variant glitches aside, the Compass is a compelling proposition from Jeep. 

It’s major draw, obviously, is its appealing styling. Jeep’s designers got it spot on in terms of balancing the brand’s rich heritage and styling cues with the current trend in the market. The trademark seven-slat grille flanked by simply-yet-classy wraparound headlights look as smart as ever while the tall hood and the bumper gives the Compass a mini Grand Cherokee look. In profile, typical Jeep traits like the flared and squared-off wheel arches and bold stance make quite an impression as does the classy chrome-lining on top of the windows. The rear is a bit underwhelming in comparison but that’s no reason for complaint. The Compass looks like a proper SUV and you don’t have to hear the common ‘hatchback-on-stilts’ comment ever again if you own one. 

Interiors are well-designed albeit lacking a wee bit in terms of visual appeal. That said, the Compass is well-loaded. Standard across the range are dual airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Parking Brake, Isofix child-seat anchors, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill Start Assist, touchscreen infotainment system with built-in compass, Voice Commands and BlueTooth functionality. remote keyless entry, all season tyres, customizable 3.5-inch Driver Information Display, Driver Seat Height Adjust, 60/40 split rear seat and front and rear arm rests. 

As we progress higher, features like push-button start, cornering lamps, roof rails, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, scuff plates, bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen display, reverse park assist with camera, side and curtain airbags and dual-tone roof are part of the kit amongst others. 

We hear Jeep has worked hard in terms of localizing critical bits and pieces in the Compass which helped in bringing down the launch price. If true, that should also help potential owners by lowering the cost of ownership as well. 

Jeep also launched the Mopar sub-brand that will be responsible for after-sales and service of the Compass. Of the 50 dealerships operational across the country right now, 48 are Mopar-ready as of now. The count is rapidly increasing as well.

With 5,000 bookings garnered even before the official price announcement, the Compass has given Jeep’s parent Fiat a new lease of life in India. The car-maker’s plant at Ranjangaon, Pune would not only be manufacturing the Compass for domestic requirements but also for all Right Hand Drive markets worldwide. 

Amidst an outcry of criticism on the ambitious pricing strategy adopted by Jeep when they debuted the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in India, there was one ray of hope in the form of the ‘Made-in-India’ Compass. That hope has now come true. Jeep has delivered and it's time we Indians pay them back!

2017 New York - Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is what dreams are made of

Have you ever wished to pilot an automobile that could keep pace with the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches of the world on a casual sprint but wouldn’t come to a screeching halt when the roads dry up leaving you in slush, sand or snow? We enthusiasts crave for something like that, don’t we? 

Well, our wish is granted. Thank Jeep for unleashing the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk amidst the glitz and grandeur of the ongoing 2017 New York Auto Show.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Supercharged V8 under the hood. 6.2 liters of displacement. 707 horsepower. 875 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Quarter mile in just 11.6 seconds. Sounds insane, right? Well, it ought to be. 

After all, we are talking about the fastest SUV on earth, a title that the Bentley Bentayga and the Tesla Model X P90D claimed on their debuts not so long back! The latter in 'Ludicrous Mode' is even faster though. 

Despite its tarmac-scorching credentials, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is still very much a Jeep underneath. That means you can actually take this vehicle off-road as much as you hit the race track. Who wouldn’t want to own one of these?

The 707 horses generated by the HEMI V8 monster under the hood are transferred to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and a single speed transfer case that's bolstered with a wider chain and forged sprockets. Under normal conditions, the torque split between the front and rear axle is 40:60. The distribution changes to 35:65 in Sport mode, 30:70 in Track mode and 50:50 in Snow mode. There is also an electronic limited slip differential at the back that helps tackle slippery terrain while Jeep engineers have had to strengthen the rear drive shaft and half shafts to ensure all the horses don't go helter skelter. Completing the package is a high-performance suspension with adaptive Bilstein shocks and powerful six-piston Brembo calipers mounted on 20-inch wheels.

The beauty of this beast is it’s ‘wolf in sheep’s clothes’ styling. You will be hard pressed to call out a Trackhawk from a SRT over a casual glance. Look closer though and the multitude of ‘Supercharged’ and ‘Trackhawk’ badges can’t be missed. While the subtle changes might seem insufficient for the performance on tap, there are no complaints as the Grand Cherokee is amongst the best-looking SUVs out there. Adding to the good looks are the bumper skirts and fender flares that convey the Trackhawk’s sporty intentions.

The interiors are similar to the regular Grand Cherokee with prominent Trackhawk lettering in the steering wheel and the seats. Black chrome and carbon fiber accents differentiate this range-topping model from the regulars while leather packages in Dark Ruby Red as shown in the picture are optional. Dodge’s SRT 'Performance Pages' that help monitor vital engine parameters and review lap times and G-forces are standard while a panoramic sunroof and a 825-watt sound system are also on offer. 

When Dodge launched the Challenger Hellcat and Charger Hellcat a couple of years back, not in our wildest dreams did we think we would see a Grand Cherokee Hellcat. Here we are, though, ogling at one in all its glory. Give us time to recover before dropping the next bomb, Fiat-Chrysler.

All-new Compass is the Jeep we are waiting for

When Fiat took over Chrysler, one of the first things it did was to put Jeep on an expansion mode globally. From being an American brand with production confined to its home country, Jeep's SUVs are now being manufactured in plants located in Europe (Italy), Brazil and China. The South American country recently witnessed the start of production of the all-new Compass, Jeep's newest global C-segment challenger.

The Compass slots in between the Renegade and the Cherokee in the Jeep lineup and will replace not one but two existing models - the Compass and the Patriot. The outgoing twins might not be missed but there is so much to like in the all-new Compass.

On top of the list is it's spot-on styling and proportions. The Grand Cherokee, Jeep's flagship SUV, is universally loved for its design and the brand's designers were wise enough to borrow its cues when they penned the new Compass. The fascia, for instance, bears more than a passing resemblance with the cohesive arrangement of grille, headlights and bumper resembling the Grand Cherokee. The rest of the vehicle is as minimalist as it can get with a prominent shoulder line and an unique chrome window lining that outlines the top of the windows before flowing into the rear windshield. Like all Jeeps, the Compass boasts flared squarish wheel arches with minimal front and rear overhangs, just how we like our SUVs to be.

The off-road ready Trailhawk variant can be identified with bright red tow hooks, black alloy wheels and contrasting hood decal. Spec one in red and black as shown above and we bet you will turn heads whenever you take it on road, it's that hot!

Interiors appear to be a clear step up from the current Compass and is said to be made with premium materials to improve the overall quality. The dashboard is inspired by the Cherokee's and feature a 8.4-inch UConnect touchscreen infotainment system supported by 9 Beats speakers.

While the Brazilian Compass is powered by a 2.0-liter Tigershark Flex petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter Multijet II diesel engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, 15 more engine and transmission combos would be added as the Compass goes on sale in different global markets.

India is reportedly one of the target markets for the new Compass and, honestly, we aren't surprised. Indians love their SUVs and, despite the initial sticker shock, we hear the first batch of Wranglers and Grand Cherokees launched recently are sold out. Things then are looking good for the new Compass and we can't wait to see how it fares here.

Jeep makes its debut in India; Lineup includes Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT

After months of teasing and dilly-dallying, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Jeep brand finally made its debut in India today. The Indian lineup consists of three models – Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT, all of which are imported as Completely Built Units (CBU).

At ₹71.59 Lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi, the Wrangler is the most affordable Jeep on sale. Available exclusively in the four-door Unlimited variant, the Wrangler is the big daddy of American SUVs and an off-roading legend. With iconic styling that has evolved beautifully from the popular Willys Jeep of an era gone by, the Wrangler’s macho looks and retro appeal remain unmatched. A 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 197 horsepower and a massive 460 Nm of torque powers this SUV that comes with a 5-speed automatic transmission and Command-Trac 4WD system as standard. 

Wrangler’s feature list includes a 6.5-inch UConnect touchscreen entertainment system with Voice Command, 40GB hard drive and inbuilt GPS navigation, automatic climate control, All-Weather slush mats, tyre pressure monitoring system, dual front airbags, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control and, oddly for Indian conditions, heated seats. With heavy-duty solid axles, 17-inch On/Off-Road tyres, 238.2 mm ground clearance, 35-degree approach angle, 28-degree departure angle and a 18-degree breakover angle, the Wrangler is likely to be the SUV of choice for Jeep loyalists and off-roading aficionados with deep pockets.

Launched alongside the Wrangler today was the Grand Cherokee. Available in two trim levels – Limited and Summit, the Grand Cherokee is priced at ₹93.64 Lakhs and ₹1.03 Crores respectively. Unlike the Wrangler that takes the retro route, the Grand Cherokee comes across as a modern and stylish SUV that retains the hardcore characteristics that the Jeep brand has become synonymous with. That front end, especially, looks menacingly lovely. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel that generates 240 horsepower and 570 Nm of peak torque. Mated to it is a 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts and a Quadra-Trac 4WD system.

Noteworthy features in the Summit variant include 8-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjust, heated seats, leather upholstery, dual panel sunroof, 8.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system with 9 speakers, Voice Command and GPS navigation,  20-inch aluminium wheels with All Season tyres, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Bi-Xenon HID headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, Cruise Control, 7 airbags including knee airbag for the driver, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and ParkSense parking assist system.

The flagship of the Jeep lineup in India though is the SRT Grand Cherokee. Powered by a monstrous 6.4-liter HEMI V8 petrol engine that generates 470 horsepower and a whopping 630 Nm of torque, the SRT Grand Cherokee is the ‘go to’ SUV if racing Ferraris and Porsches are on top of your ‘to do’ list. 

Mind-blowing acceleration and performance apart, the SRT Grand Cherokee gets exclusive features like Brembo high-performance brakes, performance-tuned steering, Sport Mode with Launch Control, Active Damping Suspension, Active Noise Control System, brushed aluminum pedals, high-performance audio with 19 Harman Kardon speakers, 20-inch polished wheels with 295 section Run Flat tyres and Selec-Track System that adjusts the suspension, torque distribution, engine mapping and stability control based on driving conditions.

While we are glad that Jeep has made its way into the Indian market, we aren’t sure if value-conscious Indian car-buyers will look over the steep pricing and appreciate the strengths of these models. We’ll know soon, stay tuned!