India-bound Jeep 551 front and rear - Rendering

11/02/2016 - 00:31 | ,  ,   | Sagar Parikh

Will enter production in India in 2017.

Jeep is set to introduce a new compact crossover later this year, the successor to the Jeep Patriot or Jeep Compass. The new compact crossover (codename: Jeep 551) was spotted testing under a modified Jeep Renegade body and now is being driven in the production body, as seen in this recent spy shot.

Jeep 551 front three quarters rendering
The Jeep 551 reportedly will be called either the Jeep Patriot or the Jeep Compass.

Based on the production mules, a speculative rendering from Brazilian site AutoEsporte previews the design of the compact Jeep. From the outside, the Jeep 551 looks very similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the familiar design can be expected for the interior too.

Based on a modified version of the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade’s small-wide front-wheel drive platform, the Jeep 551 will be one of Jeep's most globally-focused models as it will be available on right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions. It's said to be offered with two engine choices: ~164 hp 2.0-liter Tigershark petrol and ~170 hp 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel. 6-speed manual transmission should be standard, while a 9-speed automatic transmission may be offered moving up the range.

Jeep 551 rear three quarters rendering
The Jeep 551 will be based on a modified version of the Jeep Renegade's small-wide front-wheel drive platform.

Also Read: Next-Gen Jeep Wrangler to spawn Diesel, Hybrid and Pickup variants

The Jeep 551, commonly referred to as Jeep C-SUV, will be built in at least three plants around the world - one in the Americas, one in China and one in India at the Tata-Fiat JV plant in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra. Indian production, which most likely will see assembling of CKD units with minor part localization, will commence in 2017.

[Image Source: Autoesporte]

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