Jeep Renegade compact SUV in India
Here’s some good news to kickstart 2016 with. Fiat has imported the Jeep Renegade into India. The compact SUV, which is one of Jeep’s best selling models, has been imported for Research and Development, which also means that it could be launched here in the times to come.
The Renegade imported into the country features the 2 liter Fiat Multijet turbo diesel engine. Both 4X2 and 4X4 variants of the compact SUV have been imported. In the past, there have been murmurs about Jeep contemplating the Renegade for the Indian market. Also see – Jeep Renegade rumoured for a 2017 India-debut
In what is the surest sign that something’s up, no less than 14 units of the SUV have been imported. What this means is, the Renegade is meant not just for display at the upcoming Auto Expo. Fiat may take active interest in localization and testing the compact SUV with the Indian car market in mind.
The Renegade is based on the Fiat US Small platform, which it shares with the Fiat 500X crossover. However, the Renegade comes with proper off roading equipment, in line with its Jeep pedigree. Why, the Renegade even has a Trailhawk variant, which is built specifically with off roading enthusiasts in mind.
Meanwhile, Fiat India has announced that the Jeep brand will commence operations here from 2016, with the Wrangler off roader and the Grand Cherokee luxury SUV going on sale from later this year. Both these SUVs will be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, and the Renegade seems all set to join this duo.
Notably, the showcasing of the Renegade at the Auto Expo could be for gauging showgoer feedback. Also, Jeep will start building the C-SUV (Patriot/Compass replacement) in India, at Fiat’s Ranjangaon factory, from 2017. Producing the Renegade at this facility could be the next big step for the American SUV brand, which is now owned by Fiat.
While the Renegade 2.0 Diesel that’s been imported as a completely built unit (CBU) to the country carries a price of about 17.5 lakh rupees, adequate localization and local manufacture could push down the price to under 10 lakh rupees. At that kind of money, the Renegade could prove to be a great foil to the likes of the Renault Duster and Hyundai Creta.
Source:Jeep Renegade compact SUV arrives into India | Cartoq - Honest Car Advice