Codenamed 554, the new C-segment SUV will be sold under the Jeep brand and will use a 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engine that will also power Tata’s upcoming SUVs.
Fiat India is firming up its strategy for domestic operations and is planning a C-segment compact SUV that will see its global debut in India. Codenamed 554, the upcoming SUV will be sold under the Jeep brand and will see a launch date in 2017. With the Cherokee and Wrangler premium SUVs set for launch in the country later this year, the upcoming 554 SUV will be most affordable Jeep to be sold in the country.
The Jeep 554 will draw power from a new 2.0-litre MultiJet turbocharged diesel engine that will also power Tata Motors’ upcoming SUVs codenamed Q501 and Q502. To be produced at the Tata-Fiat manufacturing plant in Ranjangaon, near Pune, the local production will offer increased economies of scale helping the Italian manufacturer to price the model very aggressively. The 554 could be based on an existing Fiat platform or share its underpinnings with the Jeep Renegade sold in the same segment overseas.
The upcoming Jeep 554 compact SUV is also likely to get 4-Wheel Drive right from the launch. Banking on the iconic Jeep brand, a similar styling is expected from the company along with a host of creature comforts on the inside. The development of the Jeep 554 also means the Renegade could be manufactured in India, sharing parts and engines. When launched, the compact SUV will be locking horns with the Hyundai ix25, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Maruti S-Cross and the likes in the segment.
Source – Business Standard
