Jeep Meridian Launched At Rs 29.90 Lakh
The Jeep Meridian has been unveiled in India, with prices starting at Rs 29.90 lakh and rising to Rs 36.95 lakh for the top-spec 4×4 models. The Jeep Meridian is already taking reservations, and delivery will begin in the third week of June. The Meridian is built on the Compass chassis, but with the third row of seats.
The Meridian is priced reasonably, with a starting price that is Rs 5 lakh less than its closest competitor, the Skoda Kodiaq. At the top end, it’s also roughly Rs 50,000 cheaper. The Meridian starts at Rs 4.39 lakh less than the Fortuner diesel and Rs 4.59 lakh less than the MG Gloster.
The Jeep Meridian will only be available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Multijet turbo-diesel engine when it first goes on sale. It has a 170hp and 350Nm torque output and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. While the powertrain is identical to the Compass, the Meridian’s engine has been recalibrated and has a remapped ECU for a specific use.
The Meridian, like its smaller sibling, has four-wheel drive only with an automatic transmission, but the 4×2 models have both manual and automatic transmissions. A petrol engine will most likely be added later.
The Meridian is definitely a Jeep, with styling cues from the larger Grand Cherokee L and Grand Wagoneer marketed in other markets. It also has a distinct appearance from the Compass. Check out our review for additional information on Meridian’s design.
The Meridian is 364mm longer, 41mm wider, and 48mm higher than the Compass, with a wheelbase of 2,794mm – that’s 364mm longer, 41mm wider, and 48mm taller than the Compass, with the wheelbase having extended by 146mm.
The Meridian will be available in two trim levels: Limited and Limited (O), with the Limited (O) being the most well-equipped. The majority of the features from the Compass are carried over, including a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, powered front seats, dual-zone temperature control, motorized tailgate, panoramic sunroof, and more. It does, however, lack ventilated seats, front-parking sensors, and ADAS capabilities, which are all desirable features at this price point.
Except for a new brown-black interior color scheme, a new quilted pattern for the seat upholstery, and, most crucially, the inclusion of a third row, not much has changed inside the Compass. For the time being, the Meridian will only be available as a seven-seater, while a six-seater version may be in the works in the future.
The only natural competitor in India for the monocoque-bodied Meridian is the Skoda Kodiaq, however, full-size ladder-frame SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster will also compete for price and all-wheel drive capabilities.
