2014 Jeep B-Segment SUV: Details Inside

American SUV maker Jeep, a part of the Fiat-Chrysler group, is all set to break into the high growth compact SUV segment with not one but two SUVs. For now, the two SUVs are known as the B-Compact and C-Compact models. While details about the C-Compact SUV are yet to be made public, details about the B-Compact SUV have begun trickling in ahead of the product's 2014 launch. The Jeep B-Segment SUV is set to compete with the likes of the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster. 

Here are a rash of details with inputs from Mr Mike Manley, the head of the Jeep brand globally. (Key inputs from AutoNews) 

The Jeep B-Segment SUV will make its global debut in the middle of 2014. Production will begin in June 2014, at Fiat's Meifi factory in central Italy. The Jeep B-Segment SUV will be followed by the Fiat 500X. Asia, North America and Europe are target markets of both these SUVs. 

Two other SUVs in the Fiat line up are expected to share the Jeep B-segment's platform. The Fiat 500X crossover and the Fiat Panda XL (according to AutoBild) are the two other upcoming models that will share the Small Wide Architecture. The Fiat group's Small Wide Architecture was first used for the 500L hatchback.

This very platform is also expected to host the 500L Living (a 7 seat MPV due for a launch this month). Both front wheel drive and four wheel drive options will be available on the Fiat 500X while the Jeep will get a four wheel drive option as standard. Petrol and diesel engines will be standard on the Fiat 500X and the Jeep compact SUV.

Expect Fiat engines such as the Multijet turbo diesel and the 1.4 liter turbo petrol motors to be the major options for the Jeep and Fiat compact SUVs. According to a report on MotorBash, the first Jeep compact SUV to be launched in India will get a 1.4 liter turbo petrol engine and a 1.6 liter Multijet diesel engine.

As reported on Edmunds, the Jeep B-Segment SUV will measure 4.2 meters in length, dimensions that pitch it directly against the Renault Duster. Mr Mike Manley wants the Jeep B-Segment SUV to eat into markets of B-segment hatchbacks and C-segment sedans, suggesting similar price points and positioning with that of the Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster.   

Rumours suggest that the Jeep B-Segment SUV will feature styling that's similar to the Wrangler. Jeep wants to launch the B-Segment SUV in India during 2014. The SUV will share a large number of parts with the Fiat 500X since it is based on the same platform.

However, the Jeep DNA is said to distinctly come through, and the 4 wheel drive layout as standard seems like one such move to underscore this point. An interesting aspect emerging about the Fiat 500X crossover is that it will replace the Sedici model (a rebadged Suzuki SX4 crossover).

Now, Fiat India has talked about launching a compact SUV in India. Given the fact that the Jeep B-Segment compact SUV will be built at Fiat's Ranjangaon plant, off Pune (on the Small Wide Architecture), and with a heavy amount of localization, the 500X is a model that Fiat may consider launching in the Indian car market. 

Jeep India first two launches will be the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee SUVs, both products imported through the completely built unit (CBU) route. Both the SUVs are slated to be launched in India by the end of this year. The real volumes for Jeep will come from the B-Segment SUV (due for launch in 2014) and the C-Segment SUV (due for launch in 2015).

These SUVs will be sold through standalone Jeep dealerships. Fiat India is looking at setting up Jeep dealerships across 10 major Indian cities by the end of this year. By the time big volume Jeep SUVs begin arriving into India, expect more Jeep dealerships across the country. 

India, with its low cost-high quality manufacturing advantage, could serve as a export hub for Jeep as plans are afoot for launching  the compact range of Jeep SUVs in many countries across the world.