India will be one of the main manufacturing hubs.
The Jeep 551, commonly referred to as 'Jeep C-SUV', was supposed to debut last month, however the company plans to introduce the compact crossover towards the end of Q3 2016. As development continues, an engineering mule has been spied testing in Brazil by Autos Segredos reader Sergio Barolo.
Expected to look like a smaller version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Jeep 551 will be based on the Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade’s small-wide front-wheel drive platform. To be made in both left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions, the Jeep C-SUV will be one of the company's most globally-focused models. It's said to be sold with two engine choices: ~164 hp 2.0-liter Tigershark petrol and ~170 hp 2.0-liter MultiJet II diesel. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic.
Also Read: A-Segment Jeep (Jeep Junior) to be built on the new Fiat Punto platform
The Jeep C-SUV will be first produced and launched in Brazil. There will be two more plants making the new compact crossover, one of which will be located in China making the domestic version. The third location will be the Tata-Fiat JV plant in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra in India. This plant will make the right-hand drive version for domestic and export markets.
[Image Source: Autos Segredos]
