[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Handsome vehicles both. Quintessential Jeep looks!

Why do I have feeling that either of these Jeeps might end up replacing your Octavia. Is that still around? A fast sedan and practical tough SUV makes for an ideal garage. Don’t you think?

Originally Posted by pankaj@17

I couldn't help but notice that there is not much discussion about the manual variant of Meridian. This is especially surprising since most of the members have expressed their disappointment over the performance of the automatic gearbox. FE numbers are also not really very good for the automatic.

I am seriously considering Jeep Meridian Limited Optional Manual. Any specific cons for choosing a manual over a 4X2 automatic? My usage is mainly long distance. Thanks.

I guess a lot of bhpins now prefer auto tranny, especially in big SUV like Meridian. Although I think the manual does make a strong case for itself given that it’s a smooth, sophisticated nature/the auto in Meridian is not the best. You just need to think will you be okay with all that gear shifting over long period of time, not just 1-2 years. Best of luck!

[GentlemanOnRoad]

I purchased 4*4 AT Limited (O) Meridian in Bengaluru. Any suggestions on the need for a ceramic coating? Also, what about installing a side-step? Dealer suggested that a side-step would help protect car from unruly bikers, but I found it to be making getting into car, more cumbersome.

[ChetanM6]

Originally Posted by pankaj@17

I This is especially surprising since most of the members have expressed their disappointment over the performance of the automatic gearbox. FE numbers are also not really very good for the automatic.

May I know whether you have test driven the automatic? If not please do so. All amount of reviews doesn't matter as long as you have not experienced something. Actually I am guilty of this as well. I had rejected the Meridian after seeing Youtube reviews and reading print media reviews. Then after I test drove it, I felt that the car is not sluggish at all and the power on tap is more than enough for me. The gear shifts were not DSG level but it was seamless. The acceleration is linear which is good for your passengers(especially the ones with travel sickness). Once you are in the midrange the SUV just pulls and pulls. And while doing all this the cockpit is calm even at triple digits. Bad roads and potholes are gulped for breakfast by the Meridian. Coming to FE, I have seen people posting 14-16.5 kmpl(highways) on the FB owners group.

[Gsynch]

New dilemma started:

We booked AX7L D AT XUV 7OO in Jan 2022 and were given the timelines for Sept 2023.

Got a call from the dealer (after lots of persuasion) that he MAY BE able to arrange the vehicle by this month end (preferred color and our selected variant only), if we are ready with the finances.

I have to now choose between Meridian FWD D AT Top end and AX7L D AT.

The OTR price difference (with extended warranty et al) is around 10L in Mumbai.

Appreciate advice and inputs from the members. Which one will you choose.

Use case is a typical urban dweller with 2 growing Teenagers and 2 adults, 80% city commute and 20% highway.

[soarersc300]

Originally Posted by Gsynch

New dilemma started:

We booked AX7L D AT XUV 7OO in Jan 2022 and were given the timelines for Sept 2023.

Got a call from the dealer (after lots of persuasion) that he MAY BE able to arrange the vehicle by this month end (preferred color and our selected variant only), if we are ready with the finances.

I have to now choose between Meridian FWD D AT Top end and AX7L D AT.

The OTR price difference (with extended warranty et al) is around 10L in Mumbai.

Appreciate advice and inputs from the members. Which one will you choose.

Use case is a typical urban dweller with 2 growing Teenagers and 2 adults, 80% city commute and 20% highway.

If there is a use case for long drives with 7 passengers then there is one unique advantage of Meridian Limited (O) over AX7L D AT in that you will be able to use rooftop carrier even with the panoramic sunroof. This will mitigate the lack of boot space when using all 3 rows of seats. You just wont be able to travel with 7 people and luggage in AX7L D AT (you could however go for one of the lower variants without the panoramic sunroof to get the roof rails and carriers from Mahindra official accessories).

Other than that it's purely a personal decision. There are plenty of positives in both cars and a few negatives as well. Either way it will be a good decision. All the best for your new car this Diwali

[Jainudit]

I have started getting a software update alert on my infotainment system recently in the Meridian. Have been ignoring it for past few days. Anyone knows and can guide me on best way / conditions to update the software in the Jeep Meridian ? I did a similar software update on my MG Astor and faced a huge problem apparently because I did not do it in the right company prescribed conditions. Whether the car needs to be stationary and idling or car needs to be running at a certain speed during software update ? Anything else to keep in mind. These cars are completely controlled now by the onboard software so this is really important.

[finneyp]

Originally Posted by Gsynch

Use case is a typical urban dweller with 2 growing Teenagers and 2 adults, 80% city commute and 20% highway.

For your use case, I think XUV 700 would be suitable.

[revsperminute]

Originally Posted by Gsynch

Appreciate advice and inputs from the members. Which one will you choose.

Drove to Lonavala one night with a Meridian and XUV. Both diesel awd. Drove each car one way.

Things I loved about the XUV over my Meridian:

1. Engine-gb combination. (Fun to drive in zoom mode, kick down response)
2. Headlights (booster lamps above 80 were on par with luxury marques)

Things I liked more on the Meridian:

1. Insulation (much quieter than XUV at ~120kmph)
2. Ride and Handling- Feels proper European in this regard

These were the main differences I could observe switching between the 2.

Note: The dash of the XUV went out for a solid 30s on the expressway. Very startling while doing triple digit speeds in the dead of the night.

[trance_nut]

Did a PDI as per the tbhp checklist, of an Aug manufactured Meredian 4x4.
Everything other than the below 2 issues checked out

1. Turning the steering full lock on either side with vehicle in D and brake pressed , results in intermittent creaking, tak-tak sound. The vehicle was parked on a smooth surface (workshop floor). The noise was not coming on every lock of the steering, but say 3/10 times

2. Just to check if there was any sound when the vehicle launches off fron standstill, put the car in D and released the brake pedal. The car moves smoothly without any noise, but then on braking to come to a stop it makes a loud creaking sound from the right side when the brakes are applied and the car comes to a stop
This happened everytime i tried this maneuver (5 times)

The SC guys said they will check, but i suspect either the ball joint or suspension mounts for the 1st problem. Not sure about the 2nd problem

They said they will do a road test and then check the noise. For 2nd they said they will clean the brakes (the discs did not show any sign of surface rust), however not sure if cleaning the disc/pads would resolve the braking noise

I am thinking of letting go of this sample, would like to hear inputs from members on whether it makes any sense to hope for issues to be resolved

[Axe77]

Originally Posted by Jainudit

I have started getting a software update alert on my infotainment system recently in the Meridian. Have been ignoring it for past few days. Anyone knows and can guide me on best way / conditions to update the software in the Jeep Meridian ?

Mine popped up a week before my first 5000 km service so the SVC just did in the first service. Maybe just take it to them and get it done there. I believe it can take quite a while (few hours sometimes).

Talk to your SA maybe.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by trance_nut

. Turning the steering full lock on either side with vehicle in D and brake pressed , results in intermittent creaking, tak-tak sound. The vehicle was parked on a smooth surface (workshop floor). The noise was not coming on every lock of the steering, but say 3/10 times

Not a Meridian owner familiar with any specific idiosyncracies, but just wanted to point out that the test (as carried out above) will usually lead to some kind of noise from the under-pressure steering rack and/or brakes and/or suspension.

My Cruze, Polo, Creta, Octavia and 330i all made/make different alarming noises depending upon the road surface and payload.

[trance_nut]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Not a Meridian owner familiar with any specific idiosyncracies, but just wanted to point out that the test (as carried out above) will usually lead to some kind of noise from the under-pressure steering rack and/or brakes and/or suspension.

My Cruze, Polo, Creta, Octavia and 330i all made/make different alarming noises depending upon the road surface and payload.

I think what you are mentioning applies when the steering is at full lock, those sounds are ok
Here the sound was coming while going from lock to lock

[GentlemanOnRoad]

Originally Posted by GentlemanOnRoad

I purchased 4*4 AT Limited (O) Meridian in Bengaluru. Any suggestions on the need for a ceramic coating? Also, what about installing a side-step? Dealer suggested that a side-step would help protect car from unruly bikers, but I found it to be making getting into car, more cumbersome.

Any advice from an experienced jeep owner would be really helpful. I have owned Duster RXL for past 7 years and car has remained mostly uncovered in open air and frankly, I do not see its paint quality degrading. So, I don’t really understand this obsession with ceramic coating. Recently, my brother purchased a Thar 4*4 and immediately got ceramic coating, as if a car built for off road, would be unable to even maintain its paint. Although, that may be expected of Mahindra but I wonder if Jeep also suffers from such issues.

[Pancham]

Originally Posted by GentlemanOnRoad

Any advice from an experienced jeep owner would be really helpful. I have owned Duster RXL for past 7 years and car has remained mostly uncovered in open air and frankly, I do not see its paint quality degrading. So, I don’t really understand this obsession with ceramic coating. Recently, my brother purchased a Thar 4*4 and immediately got ceramic coating, as if a car built for off road, would be unable to even maintain its paint. Although, that may be expected of Mahindra but I wonder if Jeep also suffers from such issues.

No and no to both. You don't need Ceramic coating. Just get it polished from a good place every 7-8 months and you should be fine. Ceramic coating is incredibly hard to maintain and in our condition when you see the effect wear off within a few months (or weeks) it will hurt.

And don't get the side-step. It looks ugly.

[pankaj@17]

Originally Posted by ChetanM6

May I know whether you have test driven the automatic? If not please do so. All amount of reviews doesn't matter as long as you have not experienced something. Actually I am guilty of this as well. I had rejected the Meridian after seeing Youtube reviews and reading print media reviews. Then after I test drove it, I felt that the car is not sluggish at all and the power on tap is more than enough for me. The gear shifts were not DSG level but it was seamless. The acceleration is linear which is good for your passengers(especially the ones with travel sickness). Once you are in the midrange the SUV just pulls and pulls. And while doing all this the cockpit is calm even at triple digits. Bad roads and potholes are gulped for breakfast by the Meridian. Coming to FE, I have seen people posting 14-16.5 kmpl(highways) on the FB owners group.

Yes I test drove the automatic. And I concur with the observation of fellow members. Mid range is really good. Unfortunately, the manual wasn’t available for test drive that day. I have requested Landmark Jeep for the manual test drive. Let’s see when that happens.