- by Sohan Ingole
Introduction-
American automobile manufacturer Jeep came India in 2016, they reveal their first suv Compass in the market and from 2017 Compass really bangs up the market. And on that bombshell Jeep India announced that they are taking 4 new production unit till 2024 and now Jeep finally raised the curtains of their new 3 row suv named as Meridian.
This is based on Grand Cherokee, Jeep sells Grand Cherokee in USA and they will bring this massive suv in India also. Grand Cherokee is much bigger than Compass and Meridian, in India it will rival with Mercedes Benz GLE, BMW X5, Volvo xc90. Well this same Meridian is also selling in Brazil under the name of Commander, practically this is just a three row Compass with some added tech and dimensions with better off-road capabilities and driving manners. Now this Meridian is only available in the 3 trims and 6 variants. Jeep claimed that they are manufacturing their all lineups from a 82% of localisation and selling its SUV’s in great numbers and that’s a great thing, considering all American car manufacturers left India in recent years but still Jeep believes on there hardcore SUV’s .
Engine and performance –
Even in both the SUV’s the power output is unchanged, in this new Meridian we got the same 2.0 litre multi jet Diesel motor which also powers the Compass. Well this 2.0 litre multi jet motor produces 170bhp of power with redlines at 3750Rpm and 350Nm of torque with redlines at 1750Rpm. This diesel motor mated to a six speed manual or nine speed torque converter gearbox.
And the result is it goes 0 to 100 Kmph in just 10 seconds which is quite brisk considering the weight of the vehicle which is increased by 300kg to 400kg. The 4×2 version weighs 1800kg and 4×4 version weighs 1900kg, it’s a quite heavy and end of the day it’s a 3 row suv. The performance is quite punchy here, low end torque is missing but as we go beyond 3500Rpm it gets vocal and pulls very hard and strong. As we reached passed 3500Rpm to 3700Rpm it absolutely pushes hard and fast and we got that kick, punch which we always finding from this motor.
Like all big SUV’s it is very silent and linear in the low end of the rave range but changes into a complete beast in the top end. We also have driving modes and terrain modes (Sand, Mud, Snow, Auto) which is useful for bad terrain or off-road. In that sense this Jeep Meridian also got a option of 4×4 or AWD in its lineup. Well this Meridian is also capable for extreme bad terrain and off-road also, it has to be cause it’s a traditional Jeep. Ride height and quality is improved in this Meridian thanks to the Frequency Selected Dampers (FSD) and Hydraulic Stopper Rebound (HSR). This suv also got independent front and rear suspension for its uni body architecture which improves the overall stability and manoeuvrability of the vehicle. Now only Diesel engine is available in this Meridian but after the launch it also gets Petrol unit, but considering the amount of weight and power it gets. The petrol unit will definitely drinks a lot of fuel, now this Diesel unit gives us a average fuel economy near 8 to 12kmpl .
In city driving it will written the average fuel efficiency near 6 to 8 kmpl, but in long runs you can stretch it to 10 to 12kmpl. Now the 4×4 is only available with the 9 speed automatic gearbox option, we don’t get manual transmission in the 4×4 unit. But still it’s a great unit with ample amount of power and torque which is also capable to pull it hard and run into a off-road track. Terrain modes will also alter the driving experience and performance of the vehicle.
Exterior-
The Jeep Meridian is bigger in all dimensions than Compass and has one added row in the cabin. It is 4769mm longer, 1859mm wider and 1682mm taller. The wheelbase is 2794mm which is increased by 146mm compared to Compass, ground clearance is 210mm which is enough for extreme bad patches.
The exterior of the Meridian is very much similar to the Grand Cherokee and shows some footprints of traditional Jeep design language. At front we got typical Jeep style 7 slat chrome grill with front parking camera inside it, headlights are complete led unit which is now sleek and gets some different design than Cherokee. We have a chrome line which is running throughout the width of bumper at front, most of the time it attracts our eye sight.
Below it we have another chrome line which is bit on lower side and get two parking sensors below it. Coming to the side, it runs on 18 inch alloys which is a fresh unit and personally the design of the alloy is just from another league, it is very attractive and appealing gives best stance to the vehicle. We got square wheel arches with black coloured body cladding which is running on both the sides of vehicle. That square wheel arches provide a macho and muscular look to the Meridian with an aggressive stance also.
In the Meridian we have black dual tone paint which gets glossy black finished roof and outside mirrors, they look classy but hard to keep clean. Jeep used lots of chrome elements on the body like, chrome plated Meridian written on the lower half of the doors, chrome line running throughout the length of the vehicle. This chrome elements improves the design language and also looks more appealing in dark colours.
The A pillar and B pillar is more or less the same and looks very similar to the Compass but the D pillar is changed here, from the rear part it completely looking new. The tailgate is very much inspired from Grand Cherokee, firstly we get very slick taillights with all led unit. There is also one chrome line which joins both the taillights, this whole unit is very slim and sleek. The bumper is finished in black with chrome line running on it, they tried to match front with this chrome line.
Well we also got parking sensors, rear camera, defogger and wiper washer with a powered tailgate. The exterior is very much appealing than Compass and they also tried to get that rigid feeling with new design also. That additional chrome plating adds modern design language to this Meridian but similarly they also gave us some crazy rigid bits in this Jeep like squared wheel arches, 18inch alloys and more. This Jeep Meridian is a perfect combo of off-road capable and new age big fat suv.
Interior-
Jeep Meridian is a full fat massive sized suv, like it’s big dimensions we got very spacious cabin with added 3rd row in it.
In the Compass we only have two rows but this Meridian got that additional third row. Cabin is finished in brown plus black leather with some added soft touch material, dashboard is grown up version of Compass. The design of dashboard is very similar to Compass but because of the bigger dimensions it is looking like grow up version. We got plain leather finished black coloured dashboard, this black coloured treatment is carried on the lower half of the cabin also.
In the middle of the dash we have brown leather treatment which joints the both end of dashboard and differentiate the dash in two parts. We got chrome there too with some sleek linings running on it with continuous AC vents treatment also. There is a 10.1 inch floating touchscreen infotainment system which is a refreshed unit compared to Compass, in this screen we got radio, media, navigation, vehicle settings, driving data, off-road settings and lots of other features which we seen in lots of cars.
Below this screen we have two AC vents and it’s controls with some USB’s. The centre console is loaded with vehicle controls and switches like a wireless charging pad, electric parking brake, driving mode controller, cup holders, off-road drive dial, centre armrest and a gear liver which is coming from Compass. In the centre console they used glossy black finishing which is looking attractive but very hard to keep clean and sometimes it converts into a fingerprint magnet also.
The steering wheel is again very much similar to Compass, it’s a leather wrapped unit with mounted controls on it, these switches operate that 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster which is similar unit which is taken from Compass, in this screen we get lots of engine related data like TPMS, compass, tripmeter, vehicle data and lots of customisable themes.
These both screens are very sleek and easy to use, the resolution and graphics are really improved now than previous one which we seen in Compass. Front seats are comfortable and pleasant, doesn’t feel tired even on long routes. Thanks to the ventilated seats and memory seat function. Like that in second row we have bench seats with three height adjustable headrest and one centre armrest.
AC vents are placed middle of the cabin, legroom and knee room is excellent and three people can seat comfortably without any doubt. Headroom is not an issue thanks to the massive panoramic sunroof and 18 inch alloys which gave a better ride height to this Meridian.
Third row –
Some major changes in this Meridian compared to the Compass is that added row in the cabin, in the third row we got two seats with height adjustable headrest and AC vents which is placed on roof.
To access third row we can easily tumble down the second row seats with one press. We can get inside easily with 0 issues but the space in the third row is bit on lower side. The legroom and knee room is 0 here or only sufficient for children’s only, basically this row is good for children only. The headroom is ample but because of the poor amount of legroom and knee room, sometimes it’s better to recline down these seats and increase our boot space.
With the all seats up we get approx 200 litres of space, but after reclining the third row in 50:50 ratio it gets 400+ litres boot space which is actually big enough. We can also recline the second row 40:60 ratio, with all the two rows down can give a massive amount of space inside this Meridian.
Comfort and Convenience-
In this new Jeep Meridian we have tons of new age features like electrically adjustable driver and co-driver seats with memory seat function, connected car tech, electric tailgate with gesture mode,
automatic headlights, automatic wipers, electric parking brake, wireless charging pad, automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, rear seat ac vents, 360 degree parking camera and more.
Safety and tech-
In this new Jeep we have lots of safety tech like 6 airbags, ABS and EBD, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability program, hill hold control, hill descent control, TPMS, 360 degree parking camera with rear parking sensors, limited slip differential lock, auto speed door lock and many more. Now Jeep Meridian is available in 5 colour options.
- Techno Metallic Green
- Brilliant Black
- Pearl White
- Velvet Red
- Magnesio Grey
Conclusion-
Well the price of Jeep Meridian starts from 29.90L to 36.95L (Ex-showroom Delhi) we can place this big fat suv in the middle of Jeep Compass and Toyota Fortuner. In this segment it will directly compete with Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster, Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Superb, Audi Q2. The price of this Jeep Meridian will surely under 40 lakhs (ex-showroom), cause they are trying to beat the fortuner with its aggressive pricing.
Overall this Jeep Meridian is complete package of new age technology and also capable for hardcore off-road, Jeep well managed this suv by making it off-road capable. Kudos to Jeep to still believe in the market, now most of the American car brands left the India but still Jeep believes in their crazy SUV’s and claim that they are planed to launch three more vehicles till 2024 with a 90% of localisation. If they prices this Meridian right in the slot, this suv will surely increase the sales of Jeep in India.
Rating From Team Ignition To Jeep Meridian
Jeep Meridian – Excellent Package of Technology and Rigidity
-Team Ignition
All photos credit- Jeep Skymotors Wakad, Pune and Team Ignition
- Edited by Atharva Patil
- Citroen Basalt Launched In India At Rs 7.99 Lakhs
Citroen India has revealed the prices for the Basalt, starting at an introductory Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The bookings have commenced with a token amount of Rs. 11,001, with this special price available until 31 October. The Citroen Basalt stands out in the midsize SUV segment due to its unique coupe-like design, highlighted by a sloping roofline. Its exterior features include… - Tata Curvv ICE Prices To Be Out On 2nd September
Tata Motors has launched the Curvv EV in India, with prices starting at Rs. 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The prices for the Tata Curvv ICE version are yet to be announced and will be revealed on 2 September. In terms of design, the Tata Curvv features split headlamps and LED DRLs, alongside LED headlights and light bars at both the front and… - Tata Curvv EV Prices Out- Bookings To Open From 12th August
Tata Motors has introduced the Curvv EV to the Indian market with a starting price of Rs. 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The top-spec long-range version of Tata Curvv EV is priced at Rs. 21.99 lakh, and bookings will begin on 12 August 2024. Moreover, the Curvv EV is built on the acti.ev platform, which underpins its advanced electric capabilities. The new generation… - 2025 Honda Amaze Launch Update – New Features, Powertrain
Honda India is gearing up to launch the updated Amaze sooner than anticipated. While rumors suggested a launch during the upcoming festive season, Honda Amaze is now expected to debut in India in December 2024. Currently, the second-generation Amaze is on sale, with prices ranging from Rs 7.19 lakhs to Rs 9.95 lakhs (ex-showroom). Honda Amaze 2025, What Is Expected ?… - Citroen Basalt Completely Revealed, Tata Curvv Rival
Citroen has finally unveiled all new Basalt, Tata Curvv rival. The Basalt is fourth model from Citroen in India, and built on C-cubed programme. Citroen Basalt will be also available in global markets like South American and European markets soon. Design Highlights – Citroen Basalt The Citroen Basalt stands out with its coupe-like styling, featuring a sloping roofline that sets it… - Nissan X-Trail Launched In India At Rs 49.92L
Nissan India has officially announced the pricing for its new SUV, the X-Trail. Available in a single variant the Nissan X-Trail is priced at Rs. 49.92 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price point, it competes with the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Tucson, and Jeep Meridian in the full-size SUV segment. Under the hood, the X-Trail features a 1.5-litre three-cylinder… - MG Cloud EV Teased, Ahead Of Its Launch In India
MG Motor India is gearing up to launch the Cloud EV in September, and ahead of this, they’ve released the first teaser of the car. The teaser reveals that the Cloud EV will feature new wheels, sleek LED DRLs, an LED light bar on the front, and a backlit MG logo, which is likely to light up only when the car… - Nissan X-Trail Bookings Opened, Prices Reveal On 1st August
Nissan India has officially begun accepting bookings for its all new SUV, the X-Trail. Customers can book the Nissan X-Trail with a token amount of Rs. 1 lakh. The X-Trail will be available in a single variant and three color options, with prices set to be announced on August 1, 2024. As a CBU, the Nissan X-Trail is expected to be… - Citroen C3 Basalt – Launch Date, Pricing, Features, Rivals
The Citroen C3 Basalt coupe SUV has been officially unveiled in its production form ahead of its debut on 2 August. This marks Citroen’s fourth model for India under the C-Cube program. The production-ready Basalt features a distinctive sloping roofline, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, conventional door handles, LED DRLs, and projector headlamps. The Citroen Basalt will come equipped with a… - MINI Countryman Electric Priced At Rs 54.9 L in India
BMW India has also launched two new Mini models alongside the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series today. The new-gen MINI Cooper S is priced at Rs. 44.9 lakh, while the MINI Countryman Electric is priced at Rs. 54.9 lakh, with deliveries starting this September. Countryman Electric Highlights – The Countryman Electric comes with a 66.45kWh battery, offering impressive ranges of 462km for… - 2024 MINI Cooper S Launched In India !
BMW India has launched two new Mini models alongside the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series today. The new-gen MINI Cooper S is priced at Rs. 44.9 lakh, while the Countryman Electric is priced at Rs. 54.9 lakh, with deliveries starting this September. The updated Cooper S retains its iconic design elements, such as the circular headlights and a larger octagonal front grille.… - BMW 5 Series LWB Launched, Prices Starts From Rs 72.90L
BMW has introduced the long wheelbase version of the 5 Series in India, with an ex-showroom price starting at Rs 72.90 lakhs. Pre-launch bookings for the 5 Series have already started and can be made through the company’s website or at BMW dealerships. Deliveries of BMW 5 Series LWB are set to begin in September 2024. Notably, this is the first… - Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Spied Testing Ahead Of Its Launch
Hyundai India is continuously testing the updated version of the Alcazar ahead of its launch in the coming months. Recently, the three-row SUV was spotted being tested with camouflaged front and rear profiles. The Hyundai Alcazar Facelift is ready for its global reveal and is anticipated to hit the Indian market this festive season. It is expected to borrow several features… - Mahindra Thar 5 Door To Be Called As Thar Roxx
Mahindra has officially revealed the Thar five-door, now named the Thar Roxx. The larger version of this popular SUV will be launched in India on 15 August. The new 5 door Thar features circular LED headlamps with LED fog lights, a front parking camera, a redesigned grille, and brand new alloy wheels. While the front looks similar to the three-door Thar,… - Tata Curvv EV Revealed – Prices To Be Announced On 7 Aug
Tata Motors has finally unveiled the Curvv EV in India, though the prices are yet to be announced. The design closely mirrors the concept car, featuring a striking new blue color. Meanwhile, the ICE version is slated for a 2025 launch. The Curvv EV stands out with its squared wheel arches, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sloping roofline that emphasizes its…
