The popularity of off-roading vehicles is gaining momentum day by day. Keeping this in mind Jeep has launched the Jeep Meridian in the Indian market. Going by the success Jeep Compass has achieved introducing the higher variant in the price segment of the D category SUV is a much-anticipated move by the Jeep brand. While there is not much serious competition available in this segment jeep is trying to push itself to disrupt the market of Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster. In any case, beating the former is a mountain task for Jeep but the latter is not insurmountable. Lets us check out the all-new Jeep Meridian.
Technical Specifications of Jeep Meridian-
| Maximum Power | 168bhp@3750rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 350Nm@1750rpm |
| Transmission Type | 9-Speed AT |
| Ground Clearance | 214mm |
| Tyre Size | 235/55R18 both front and rear |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, TPMS,360 Degree Camera, etc |
What is the USP of Jeep Meridian?
Well, the Jeep Meridian comes loaded with features that improve the driving dynamics. For instance, you get technology like a 360-degree camera which helps in parking the SUV in a much easier way than before. The cruise control feature lets you preset the speed at the desired level and let the car maintain the exact speed. This comes in handy on highways where you have to drive over a long stretch. The front AC comes with dual-zone climate control that helps in maintaining the different temperatures for both passengers. Geofence is a feature that sends a notification if the car leaves the pre-defined location. Some of the other nifty features include, Hill hold control, Hill descent control, traction control, Differential lock, limited-slip differential, etc. LED projector headlamps, cornering lamps, ambient lights, and glove box lamps are some of the other features improvising the overall aesthetics of the SUV.
The Jeep Meridian faces direct competition from the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster in this price segment. The Toyota Fortuner is the raw SUV leaving the buyer with only MG Gloster as a rival when it comes to sophistication in use.
Cons of Jeep Meridian-
If you are really not bothered about the seating configuration i.e. 5-seater or 7-seater, then there is good news for you. You can literally own the same engine as that of Jeep Meridian for almost half of the price. Guess what the product is itself from Jeep only which is none other than the Jeep Compass. Yes, these two siblings from Jeep borrow the same engine 2.0L Multijet Diesel engine. So if you are a performance enthusiast then get the 4×4 version of the Jeep Compass in 28.60 Lacs ex-showroom, in short, a 30 Lakh car in comparison to the 36.95 Lacs for the Jeep Meridian.
After shelling out so much of an extra amount for the 4×4 version if you do not bump in power figures then certainly this is disappointing for enthusiasts.
Jeep Meridian Major Rivals-
Jeep Meridian faces direct competition from the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster in the Indian Market. Comparing all three SUVs together, it is not easy to give the winner’s trophy to one. You can find some of the major differences from the image given above.
When it comes to power figures Jeep Meridian lags behind the other two SUVs. If you compare the sophistication then there is a neck-to-neck rivalry between the Jeep Meridian and MG Gloster while Toyota Fortuner takes the rear seat. Overall the Jeep Meridian turns out to be the best value for money from a price point of view.
Considering the engine on offer how many of you feel that the Jeep Meridian should have been given a power bump or could be priced more competitively. Write your views in the comment section.