[Gsynch]

Inside information continues to trickle in. Here is the latest update on Meridian variants and colors:

Only Diesel MT & AT (FWD & 4x4) at launch, Limited & Limited (O) variants. Limited O supposedly is equivalent of Model S feature wise.

[rishi_kapoor]

Hold your breath guys. Meridian will be a Fortuner killer. I was lucky to see, touch, feel SUV in person at a top secret location. Media launch will be in next few days.

I was able to drive a camouflaged test mule on test track. With 4 extra large people on board, the suv was flawlessly going up on gravel inclines. On a narrow hairpin it effortlessly and without a 3 pointer it just turned around uphill.

Specs were not revealed but I am very sure that engine is differently tuned and is well over 170 BHP of current Compass spec.

The SUV looks “BIG”, it’s wider than Compass and much longer. It has different presence than compass which looks smaller when compared side by side.

I was mesmerised by smoothness and sheer road presence. All creature comfort and best in class features.

Alpine music system (I think 9-10 speakers) was a delight. It surely has under seat sub-woofer or somewhere else. 360 camera was crisp. It has additional “fisheye” view for both front and back. Front seats are ventilated. Chocolate brown leather seats.

People at back were comfortable with a six foot co-pax at front with me. Even ion off-road track they were comfortable at back. Though they did mention limited leg space. I tried 3rd row seats, they are for kids but I was able to sit comfortably. But hardly any leg space in 3rd row. 2nd row seats were not sliding. I hope they launch 6 seater versions also at launch.

The best was the drive. Just effortless on track, amazing steering feedback and mind it, this comparison is coming from a BMW X5 owner with similar track experience.

Both 4 low and 4 lock switches were present. I just did entire drive in “Auto”, didn’t feel any need to change modes.

Panoramic roof is huge! Blackened roof feels premium. I did spot “Trail rated” badges.

I am in market for a worthy successor to my recent sold X5 (till I upgrade) and was considering Fortuner Legender. But boy! Toyota is off my shopping list and Meridian is coming home.

Happy to answer questions if you have, in my excitement I may have missed other details and they may come back if you ask questions.

Obviously I did not take pictures or videos as this is a top secret location and still under wraps for media launch.

I am eagerly waiting for Meridian to take it to Zanskar very shortly.

[Cresterk]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Hold your breath guys. Meridian will be a Fortuner killer. I was lucky to see, touch, feel SUV in person at a top secret location. Media launch will be in next few days.

.

The endeavour was also a way better product both feature-wise and comfort-wise compared to the fortuner (especially if you compare when it was first launched) and yet couldn't outsell the toyota solely due to the brand name and reliability image. People buy fortuners almost like they are govt bonds, something that is guaranteed to run and guaranteed to have value in the future. Fortuners and innovas have some kind of magic appeal to non-enthusiasts and people who treat cars like appliances + risk averse enthusiasts love them.

While I have no doubt the meridian is going to be a great product, I doubt it will cut into fortuner sales much.

[CEF_Beasts]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Hold your breath guys. Meridian will be a Fortuner killer. I was lucky to see, touch, feel SUV in person at a top secret location. Media launch will be in next few days.

How would you compare it to it’s real competitor, the Škoda Kodiaq?

[rishi_kapoor]

Originally Posted by CEF_Beasts

How would you compare it to it’s real competitor, the Škoda Kodiaq?

Softroader v/s offroader. I test drove a Tiguan few days ago. It is very comfortable and feature rich and good enough if you don’t want to take it to extreme expeditions without worrying, that’s where Meridian shines.

[for_cars1]

Originally Posted by Gsynch

...Here is the latest update on Meridian variants and colors:
.

Now that there are 6 variants, if FCA gets the pricing strategy starting low in the early 30L OTR all the way to 40L OTR for the top variant, they will be able to grab a larger buyer base across segments.

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

... 2nd row seats were not sliding.....

Thats an essential feature for flexible seating and standard on the Commander.
Hope the sliding 2nd row seats are atleast offered in the option pack(O) variant.

No paddle shifters, no ADAS, no sliding seats, somehow OEMs believe that Indian customers don't deserve features although they pay the highest.

Originally Posted by Cresterk

... Fortuners and innovas have some kind of magic appeal to non-enthusiasts and people who treat cars like appliances + risk averse enthusiasts love them.

Its just pure herd mentality and the perceived higher resale value.
Except for the good power and torque of the 2.8 L Fortuner, both Innova and Fortuner are extremely mediocre products for the price they command.

[ScorpWarp]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Specs were not revealed but I am very sure that engine is differently tuned and is well over 170 BHP of current Compass spec.

That is T R U E.
Confirmed with my source who is heavily involved in the development.
Can't wait for the full reveal.

[himanshugoswami]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Softroader v/s offroader. I test drove a Tiguan few days ago. It is very comfortable and feature rich and good enough if you don’t want to take it to extreme expeditions without worrying, that’s where Meridian shines.

As the owner of a Compass Model S 4x4, I would advise caution before going gaga over its 4x4 capabilities. The 4 Low is not the real deal. As in, it does not have a proper low range box. It's just electronic gimmickry by altering the ESP. I also own a 2021 Thar Petrol AT and have taken both my cars off roading, and the Compass is seriously mediocre in this respect. The Thar left it for dead 10 times out of 10. I hope the Meridian is more capable, but I have my doubts, given the fact that it has the same 4WD hardware as the Compass. The Compass is more capable than a softroader, but is by no means a proper off roader. I would think ten times before taking it to Spite Valley for example.

[Guru_Shikhar]

Found the Jeep Meridian test mule on Nagar road Pune. The tail lights were protruding out of the body sides ( don’t know what might be the purpose)

I am very sorry for such clicks as I had no room to click a proper full size picture.

Cheers.

[SR-71]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Specs were not revealed but I am very sure that engine is differently tuned and is well over 170 BHP of current Compass spec.

Originally Posted by ScorpWarp

That is T R U E.
Confirmed with my source who is heavily involved in the development.
Can't wait for the full reveal.

From what I read the 2L JTD has only one more higher state of tune @ 187 BHP. But that is with a twin turbo. There was no mention of twin turbo at launch, I doubt they would have missed flaunting that if they were bringing in the twin turbo. Also as mod @Vid had pointed out, the power chart is pretty much the same as the engine in its current state of tune. So I am scratching my brains on this new piece of information, though I definitely would like it to be true. Perhaps the gear box is tuned better than its for the compass that. I felt the compass to be not as as sprightly as the Chez twins.

[rishi_kapoor]

Originally Posted by SR-71

From what I read the 2L JTD has only one more higher state of tune @ 187 BHP. But that is with a twin turbo. There was no mention of twin turbo at launch, I doubt they would have missed flaunting that if they were bringing in the twin turbo. Also as mod @Vid had pointed out, the power chart is pretty much the same as the engine in its current state of tune. So I am scratching my brains on this new piece of information, though I definitely would like it to be true. Perhaps the gear box is tuned better than its for the compass that. I felt the compass to be not as as sprightly as the Chez twins.

Hi, I tried replying to your PM but i am getting a database error.

I am in similar boat as yours. My X7 delivery is delayed until end of this year (or early next year). Toyota simply had too much of attitude for me to bear. So I had been hunting for a worthy all wheel drive that I can take to expeditions with luxury & comfort.

A dear friend from media advised me to consider Meridian over Fortuner/Legender for my use (I am not into extreme off-roading but very tough expeditions few times a year).

I saw car in person on last Friday and also drove test mule on custom rough track that had steep inclines, gravel track, hairpin bends uphill etc. Even I was worried about power of 170 BHP but the engine in Meridian seems more than enough powerful to pull 4 adults effortlessly on steep inclines. Not once engine showed any stress in my test drive. It seems the tune is around 185-90 BHP and there is definitely a change in torque curve.

Only downside according to me is 3rd row that is only for children.

I would suggest that you book one and test drive before taking delivery. Just take refund if you don’t like it. Hope this helps.

[One]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

I tried 3rd row seats, they are for kids but I was able to sit comfortably. But hardly any leg space in 3rd row.

Can you elaborate this aspect as I couldn't understand these two statements read together. Does it mean leg space is less but seat was of a good size?

Also is the less leg space like Kodiaq/ XUV7OO category or Alcazar category?

[rishi_kapoor]

Originally Posted by One

Can you elaborate this aspect as I couldn't understand these two statements read together. Does it mean leg space is less but seat was of a good size?

Also is the less leg space like Kodiaq/ XUV7OO category or Alcazar category?

What I meant was that with second row up, I was able to sit in 3rd row with my knee just touching the seat ahead. So on long drives it will be uncomfortable for adults.

[nibedk]

Originally Posted by himanshugoswami

As the owner of a Compass Model S 4x4, I would advise caution before going gaga over its 4x4 capabilities. The 4 Low is not the real deal. As in, it does not have a proper low range box. It's just electronic gimmickry by altering the ESP. I also own a 2021 Thar Petrol AT and have taken both my cars off roading, and the Compass is seriously mediocre in this respect. The Thar left it for dead 10 times out of 10. I hope the Meridian is more capable, but I have my doubts, given the fact that it has the same 4WD hardware as the Compass. The Compass is more capable than a softroader, but is by no means a proper off roader. I would think ten times before taking it to Spite Valley for example.

May not be the right comparison unless you bring in the price factor. And even the price differential is due to interiors and features. Thar is a full fledged 4*4 whose strengths are only off roading. May be comparing to a Trailhawk would be more apt. May be it can do 70-80% of what a Thar does. We will have to go till the 55 Lac Wrangler to be able to beat the Thar (almost 4 times the price though).

[Guna]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

Softroader v/s offroader. I test drove a Tiguan few days ago. It is very comfortable and feature rich and good enough if you don’t want to take it to extreme expeditions without worrying, that’s where Meridian shines.

I doubt if there is a real difference the 2. Both are primarily front wheel driven with a provision to divert some power to the rear wheels when required. But in the absence of LSD or differential locks and 'real' 4L, their ability to take on challenging terrain will be limited.