Jeep is expected to retain the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, which puts out 168 BHP and 350 Nm.

Jeep is gearing up to launch the Meridian facelift in India later this year. The carmaker has released a teaser image giving us a glimpse of the changes made to the 3-row SUV.

The Jeep Meridian facelift is likely to feature subtle styling updates, including redesigned front and rear bumpers and reprofiled headlamps. The interior will be similar to the current model but might get new seat upholstery, among other minor changes.

The upcoming Meridian facelift might also get additional features like a front and rear dashcam and an air purifier. Currently, the SUV is equipped with a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lighting and more.

Jeep is expected to retain the same 2.0-litre diesel engine, which puts out 168 BHP and 350 Nm. It will be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Meridian is also likely to get a petrol engine option in the future.

Source: Autocar India

The Compass and Meridian are available with benefits of up to Rs 2.05 lakh and Rs 4.85 lakh, respectively.

Jeep has announced year-end benefits on its products. This includes a massive discount of Rs 11.85 lakh on its flagship Grand Cherokee.

In India, the Grand Cherokee is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 270 BHP and 400 Nm. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Jeep’s Quadratrac 4x4 system offering four terrain modes – Auto, Sport, Mud / Sand and Snow.

Jeep is also offering attractive benefits on the Compass and Meridian SUVs. The former gets a discount of Rs 2.05 lakh, which includes a cash discount of Rs 1.5 lakh, an exchange bonus of Rs 25,000 and corporate benefits worth Rs 15,000. Jeep is also offering special benefits worth Rs 15,000 for doctors, leasing companies and partners.

The Jeep Meridian is available with benefits of up to Rs 4.85 lakh. These include a cash discount of up to Rs 4 lakh, an exchange benefit of Rs 25,000 and a corporate discount of Rs 30,000. Doctors, leasing companies and partners can avail of an additional discount of Rs 30,000 on the top-spec Overland variant. 

To be fair now there are two vehicles that come close individually to the Compass in two areas and exceeds them in two.

BHPian Air Cav recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I echo AniChaudhary's views. Being an actual owner of a JC 4x4 Ltd, except for the 3.14 L hike in one variant of the Meridian I do not see much fuss about the price hike. I have had my share of ownership niggles but the truth is that no American or European manufacturers match the statistical reliability, QC and management of the Japs, wether yesterday or today, and anywhere in the world. A handful of extremely unfortunate owners apart (with major issues that crop up in all brands, some less, some a little more) I am yet to meet a Compass owner who is actually dissatisfied with his ride. My observations are as follows.

Anyone comparing Creta/Seltos with a Compass without experiencing them over some amount of time IMO really misses the point. There is a new gen Creta in my extended family as is there an Astor 1.3 Turbo (father in law) with ADAS as well as a Taigun 1.5 TSI. Having driven all of them extensively on long routes, from a purely drivers perspective they are like Chalk and Cheese. SUV Posers apart I will always choose my Compass over any of them for any type of usage except may be in certain tight old city roads and areas with helluva traffic esp the Taigun. Except for jingle bells and confetti "features" apart, for me they dont even appear in the rearview. I wonder how many owners actually use the confetti regularly for any meaningful purpose. I dont. I will always give preference to actual quality of a drive over any created add on perception of quality.

This rant against the Compass IMO majorly stems from those who actually dont own one or didnt try it out enough or had different set of priorities from what the Compass offers. The primary cause of this rant is the Indian consumer perception of equating cost with acerage. If they are paying 6 to 10 L more they consistently and subconsciously expect 2 more seats and the 'I have arrived" size to boot over the above mentioned "hatchbacks on stilts".

Before settling on the Compass I had comprehensively test driven my collegues latest gen Fortuner and my classmates Endy (the last gen that was sold before Ford shut shop and with it has its own share of a few persistent niggles). They are great vehicles but I will buy them only if I regularly have a ton of luggage to move with 5 people more. I, like the median car owner dont have to. They were really better off road (not bad roads) but if I have to do triple digit speeds all day on from 2 lane to 4 lane highways, expressways and twisties too then the Compass is the better bet. It is composed, dynamically sound for a 4x4 and overall a far more relaxed experience than the constant swaying, bobbing and pitching at high speeds and the juddering and bouncing of low speed rides on bad roads not to mention the XL footprint esp on narrow tracks and traffic. It is more silent too and at the end of a 600km plus day I can walk out of the Compass far fresher and less stressed out than from the Endy or Fortuner.

Coming to "serious" offroading my take is pretty straight forward. Having been in the Army for over 2 decades I have driven over unspeakable trn from the moonscapes of Ladakh, high Himalayas of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal and also the muddy hills of Meghalaya and and the sister states through ice, sleet, slush slides, overflowing streams and causeways, collapsed embakments and untouched and pristine wildernesses not accessible to others and not to forget the dune bashings in western Rajastan. My vehicles were majorly Gypsies, MM540 (long ago. In fact I learnt and started Hill driving in the Pir Panjals on an MM540) and some Scorpios and Safari Storme 4x4. And all this, call it work commute if you may, as a person who lived there and partook in such driving as a regular affair rather than someone who comes as a tourist or adventurer on a trip or experience of a lifetime scenario or even on competitions. They are very different approaches.

The only new vehicles (available today at a reasonable priceI) will consider for "serious" off roading in stock form are a Thar, Gurkha and the latest entrant the Gimny. But what does this "serious" offroading mean. This is almost synonymous with pointing ones nose into the deepest pits, muddiest ditches and steepest slopes and rockiest trails. It is like chalking out a course for the ultimate test of man and machine just for the kicks of it. Thats great and fun but its an extremely niche activity. Its like taking ones fast car to the track. Very few and passionately committed people do it for the sake of it. And no matter what obstacle one crosses or fords there is always a bigger that requires more mods. Thats not really how one actually moves. The biggest trick of off roading as a necessity is to find the path of least resistance even if it means detours. Thats how one can function and drive on really bad terrain for a living. It is not about finding the most challenging one. That is only for the hobby. Having survived the worst of terrain on many years on 4 wheels the last activity I would want to do is go looking for ditches and ruts. There is always a better way in practical life to get there.

With that as a backdrop to owning a 4x4 I will not buy a Thar or Gimny or Gurkha. They are excellent off road but for me getting to the destination is more important than a dunk in the mud. So I dont want to go looking for the deepest pit. Further, for all practical purposes on the open road these vehicles are not really dream drives, far from it. For the sake of practicality and comfort which is the major requirement of any car owner who needs a go anywhere vehicle they dont really cut ice. These vehicles can serve the purpose of a niche role very well but are heavily compromised on all other fronts.

Dont get me wrong. I like my dose of offroads and trails, hills and dales as well (old habits die hard) and I am a wildlife buff who regularly visits the many Tiger reserves around the country. In fact i may well plan my next career in it. So now we come to the Compass proposition. For someone like me whose priority is get to the destination in reasonable comfort and safety with my wife and son rather than frolick in the mud or roll on rocks and whose usage is roughly 20 % off road (and dosent shy away from it if the need arises) and 80 % on road the Compass 4x4 is nearly the perfect vehicle this side of 50 L. It will munch miles at triple digits all day with nearly the comfort, composure and assurance of an above average and driver focussed sedan (have owned an Ikon 1.6 and Linea T Jet previously). It will roll over bad roads fast without a sweat and if you plan well, are smart and know how to drive as per the situation without breaking into swashbuckling histronics, it will surprise you and take you to 85 % of places where the "hardcore" offroaders will go. For example I have gone along the outlier jungle trails and buffer tracks of nealy all Central Indian Tiger reserves with my family and a guide in my 4x4 Compass and only 5% of the places were those where I missed the std safari Gypsy and didnt stretch it. Same goes for the inside areas too ie as far as tracks and trails are concerned. Private vehicles are not customarily allowed but if I took my Compass in there would probably be no more than 10% of places which only the Gypsy could reach. Thats off road enough for me and I daresay that that is more than off road enough for 98 out of 100 people.

So for me the Compass 4x4 stands as the only dual purpose vehicle this side of 50 L which satisfies 90% of both purposes without compromising more than 15% tradeoff on either side. Another vehicle with similar capability was the Duster AWD which cost 15L on road a decade back but it was built to a cost (though acceptably for me for what it offered). The Compass is a far more refined, grown up and of much better qualitative value in comparison. Hence I have happily parked my money on it and every time I realise how good a package it is under the skin. Jeep knew what they were doing when they built it and it ticks the boxes for the target customer and may I add that unlike the Tuscon AWD, Compass was designed by off road specialists (the ruggedness oozes on the offroad trail though being a mono Q). The customer who values it on road as well as off it without wanting to fuss around on either. This is why I find the premium that Jeep charges for it over the trinket laden posers quite acceptable. I knew and most Jeep customers esp 4x4 ones (as it exploits the vehicle to the full) know that they have not paid that extra for 2 foldable seats, fancy electronics and Christmas tree lights and maybe a faster AT at times. They have paid extra for how and where it drives them.

To be fair now there are two vehicles that come close individually to the Compass in two areas and exceeds them in two. The TATA Safari/Harrier do not measure up in a comparison to me anyway so Ill skip them. But the XUV700 with that stonker of an engine takes the roadworthiness a few notches higher though the overall rating for me is similar owing to the fact that the Compass is a more balanced, stable, mature and better handling drive. In fact my brother owned a 2017 1.4 Sport and has recently bought the XUV700. He enjoys the kick of the powerplant and its refinement, features and comfort yet misses the overall composure, solidity and almost car like maturity of the Compass. Note : Dont try to go much away from the smooth tracks in the 700 in its present form. Will bog down pretty easy. It deserves a AWD model to complete a very good package. I never found the Compass 1.4 Petrol as underpowered. It was no scorcher but was adequate and very driveable in manual though very thirsty. One cant defy Physics but yes I do feel that the Compass should have had a 1.8 Ltr Turbo petrol at least for its weight. That is what Jeep should do if they re launch the petrol model. The diesel I own is very good. No point comparing with Endys or Fortuners based on price perceptions as the compass at its heaviest is around 1700Kgs (4x4 auto) compared to nearly 2.25 tons of the others. The Meridian deserves a reasonable up tune as per its size and hence larger weight to keep better power to weight. The other vehicle is the Scorpion N. It is quite comfortable and vastly capable off road. It surprised me on the few test drives I have taken around the hill in Mahirvani in Nasik. But the on road manners are (though vastly improved than the Classic) sedate, predictable and adequately confident at best rather than inspiring. The Compass 4x4 may be, on these individual attributes, a notch or two below both individually but when these two on and off road attributes are combined into one package still overall it is ahead of either. Thats saying a lot when the Mahindras are excellent in their own right one being a Mono the other a BOF.

Coming to the business side of things. Observing Jeep India from the customer lobby is not all that alarming. I take both my Compass and Punto Abarth for service. The workshops are always busy and full. Jeep IMO has sold a fair no of vehicles when compared to the infra that they have set up. They do charge a brand premium but having owned Chevvy, Ford, Fiat, Jeep and having serviced cars in the family ie Honda, VW, Maruti, Hyundai, MG, I can say that it is not exceptionally high. Slightly better QC would be welcome and the delay of a new compact model tailored for India and other developing market does intrigue me but Jeep unlike Ford, Chevvy, FIAT, VW, Skoda, Honda etc which have shut shop or are being suspected to likely shut shop, has never been a mass market brand anywhere including the US. They have never wanted to be and have never functioned as one. They have always been a niche brand. Niche brand mind you and not a luxury brand. A Wrangler is not a Range Rover anywhere in the world. For some reason they have been perceived or projected in India as a luxury brand. I dont know the reason behind this and for me it is not.

Jeep will not compete with Hyundai, Maruti, KIA et all for a share of the market pie by selling comparable products at comparable prices. Its not who they are and they are very clear and sure on that. They dont mind a low volume market. They have invested only accordingly. None of their markets are high volume. That does nor mean they will not survive or exit. Its the way the brand functions. They will sell few products in small numbers and keep going if required and wait for the next new product to hit the high. They should possibly have more localisations for their higher end products to increase their profit. Their balance sheet is not really loss making and they dont look like it either. People who want a Jeep for what it is will come and buy one. They will not be the ones looking for the next best car that ticks most boxes for them.

i have written this for the simple reason of the continuous negativity that is prevalent about the Jeep brand now. I own one and its damn good and worth the money I paid. I dont want that to be drowned by impressions and opinions of people who dont even own one and quote figures and comparisons for the sake of argument. If its me who has put in his hard earned money into one and am happy that I did like 98 out of 100 owners, I fail to see the reason for the anxiety and frustration of people that didnt.

And now let me say this. I own a Punto Abarth which was the topic of discussion and a rage at Team BHP in 2015-2017. I bought one in early 2017 and am a very happy owner till date. No other car this side of many others offered what the Abarth did. At 12L it offered a chance to own a little hooligan of silly childhood dreams. A focussed, moody , tempestuous and characterful machine. It is far from perfect. Nothing is. There were dime a dozen rants and comments on seating posture, notchy gearbox, wheelspins etc etc Suggestions of academic value on how this should be fixed and that should be addressed. But the real joke is that though there was nothing quite like it being sold by a long shot, less than 300 were ever sold off the showroom. The detractors probably bought Swifts while lecturing about Abarths. Nothing can be more ironic. I never said a word about it except to the ones that actually drive it as I have been too happy adjusting to it and driving it rather than being concerned about the riff raff around it. Its got a uprated intercooler, stg 1 remap, free flow catback pipe, 205 section tires and a few things extra at the right places including a permanent smile when behind the wheel. Its not been easy like a Swift but she will stay with me as will the Compass 4x4 coz she is special. People can count a few airbags and a few lights and chips more. Lets keep driving for the sake of it.

Here's what BHPian shankar.balan had to say on the matter:

Jeep is probably going to shut shop in India the way FCA has done. They cannot get things right for the Indian Consumer with their present offerings and pricing.

At the rate they are going, Jeep should just re-license the Jeep Brand to Mahindra in India and all developing markets and thus ’legally adopt’ the Thar which is after all their own son from another father. Then the Thar will no longer be considered as a ‘WRONGLER’ but will finally be legitimized as a pucca ‘cut price’ Wrangler.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Such an awesome machine, the Jeep Compass is. But it has the worst backers behind it. The car ends up being considered by many potential customers, but dropped for the size : price calculation (and the fact that it's now one of the oldest + smallest crossovers in the segment below & above).

Zomato recently posted a profit and one of the main reasons was extracting higher average invoices from its loyal customers. Someone at Jeep read that over the weekend and "voila" .

Beautiful cars, backed by people who don't understand business. Just like Fiat.

Here's what BHPian apocalypse had to say on the matter:

Opportunity for a mathematical joke.

Up to 3.14? Looks like Jeep wants a bigger piece of the pi(e).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The entry-level Limited MT and Limited AT variants have been removed from Jeep India's official website.

Jeep has removed select variants of the Meridian from its official website. This has led to speculation of these variants being discontinued altogether.

The Meridian is currently available in four trims: Limited (O), Limited Plus, Upland and X; while the Limited MT and Limited AT variants have been delisted. Both entry-level variants were priced at Rs 30.10 lakh and Rs 32 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.

The Jeep Meridian is a 3-row SUV that was introduced in the Indian market in May last year. It rivals the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

The Meridian is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine that makes 168 BHP and 350 Nm. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SUV also comes with 4-wheel drive.

Jeep is offering a buyback of up to 55% of the vehicle's ex-showroom cost.

Jeep India has announced a new buyback and extended warranty scheme under the Jeep Adventure Assured program. It also includes annual maintenance, roadside assistance, insurance and offers a 27% EMI to Compass and Meridian customers.

Under the Adventure Assured program, Jeep is offering a buyback of up to 55% of the vehicle's ex-showroom cost for 3-year and 4-year terms and mileage of up to 20,000 km/year. All-inclusive lower EMI plans start at Rs 39,999.

Adventure Assured covers annual maintenance and repairs. It even includes tyres and batteries, that are outside the purview of the comprehensive warranty. The program also provides comprehensive insurance coverage for the 1st year on the Jeep Compass and Meridian.

Jeep is offering a rear entertainment package with Wi-Fi enabled 11.6-inch screen at 50% of the selling price.

Jeep has announced the launch of two special editions of the Meridian, called 'Meridian X' and 'Meridian Upland'. Prices for the 7-seater SUV start at Rs 32.95 lakh (ex-showroom). The limited edition variants start at Rs 33.41 lakh and go up to Rs 38.47 lakh for the top end model. 

The Jeep Meridian X features a more urban styling theme with body-coloured lowers, a grey roof and alloy wheels with grey inserts. The SUV also gets exterior additions like side mouldings, puddle lamps and ambient lighting on the interior.

The Jeep Meridian Upland gets a more go-anywhere look and comes equipped with a roof carrier, side steps, splash guards, a boot organizer, sunshades, a special cabin, cargo mats, a tire inflator and a special hood decal.

The special edition Meridian gets two additional colour options: Silvery Moon and Galaxy Blue. Jeep is also offering customers of the special edition a rear entertainment package with Wi-Fi enabled 11.6-inch screen at 50% of the selling price.

The Meridian is powered by the familiar 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine that makes 168 BHP and 350 Nm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Interestingly, the prices of the Club Edition undercut the base price of the Compass and Meridian.

Jeep has announced the launch of the Compass and Meridian Club Editions. These limited edition SUVs are priced at Rs 20.99 lakh and Rs 27.75 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively.

The Club Edition is based on the entry-level Sport trim of the Compass and the Limited trim of the Meridian. Besides the ‘Club Edition’ badges, the features list remains unchanged. Interestingly, the prices of the Club Edition undercut the base price of both models. The special price is applicable till February 28, 2023.

The Compass comes equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control, dual airbags and ESC. It is powered by a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Meridian gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic LED projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, a wireless charger, 2-zone automatic climate control and 6 airbags. It is available with a 2.0-litre diesel motor mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Meridian competes with the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

Jeep dealerships across India have started handing over the Meridian to early-bird customers.

The Jeep Meridian is a 3-row SUV that shares its underpinnings with the Compass. The SUV was launched last month with prices starting at Rs 29.90 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes with the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

Powering the Meridian is Jeep's familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. A single top-spec 'Limited (O)' variant is available with a 4-wheel-drive system.

The Meridian comes equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SUV also gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate.

The Jeep Meridian competes with the likes of Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

Jeep India has announced the prices for the Meridian. The SUV is available in five variants, including a single 4x4 variant, with prices starting at Rs. 29.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Jeep Meridian shares its underpinnings with the Compass. It gets a slim 7-slat radiator grille flanked by sleek LED headlights with LED daytime running lights. The rear features slim wraparound LED tail lamps with a chrome strip in the centre.

The interior of Jeep's 3-row SUV it is similar to the Compass. In the centre is a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SUV also gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate.

The list of safety features offered on the Meridian include a 360-degree camera, 6 airbags, Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Fading Brake Support (FBS), Ready Alert Brake (RAB), Rain Brake Assist (RBA), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH).

Powering the Meridian is Jeep's familiar 2.0-litre diesel engine. It is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec Limited (O) trim is available with a four-wheel-drive system. Jeep claims that the Meridian can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 10.8 seconds and has a top speed of 198 km/h.

The Jeep Meridian competes with the likes of Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

Jeep Meridian ex-showroom prices:

• Limited MT - Rs. 29.90 lakh
• Limited (O) MT - Rs. 32.40 lakh
• Limited AT - Rs. 31.80 lakh
• Limited (O) AT - Rs. 34.30 lakh
• Limited (O) AT 4x4 - Rs. 36.95 lakh

Our earlier budget was Rs 70 lakh but luck had another plan. Now, we are considering cars like the Jeep Meridian & next-gen Hyundai Tucson.

BHPian marinerandy recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So it all started after I came back to India after sailing in the first week of April 2022. Till now we had an S Cross 1.3 alpha, which was bought after moving to Bangalore in 2016. It was a hasty decision as we needed a car in desperation due to the nature of my job and having 2 kids under the age of 10.

Now the itch of getting an automatic is going out of control.

As soon as I was back on land, the hunt for a suitable car was on. The budget was mutually fixed (between me and my wife) to 70 lakhs. That means some models from the big 3 German brands were also within our reach.

Cars considered

• VW Tiguan
• Skoda Kodiak
• Fortuner
• Audi A4 (although sedans are not on our preference list)
• BMW X1 S20d
• Merc GLA 220d 4 Matic
• Volvo XC 40
• BMW 3 Series 330li M sport

Once the list was sorted, we started inquiries on phone. The first and only showroom we visited was Deutsche Motoren BMW. Went there to TD X1 and 3 series. Ended up TD'ing X3 also. After experiencing X3, there was no going back. Since this car was stretching my budget by another 15 lakhs and my wife was adamant against leasing (BMW 360° plan), we took our own sweet time to seek our finances. Once done, we paid the token money and booked X3 30i M sport in Brooklyn grey shade.

Now looks like the luck has another plan. Last week a society in which I was eyeing a flat in resale for a very long time, suddenly was available with unbelievable price. The owner was insisting on a good chunk of cash to be paid upfront to close the deal as he needed it urgently. So the cash which was kept aside for car purchase was spent on down payment of flat.

Now I am back to square one. Of course, X3 is out of the question! Now our budget has been restricted to 50 lakhs with a slight stretch of a couple of lakhs.

When our budget was in the north of 70L then X1 and XC 40 were looking as good deals. Suddenly when the budget was trimmed down to the south of 50L, then these don't look like viable purchases anymore (power of perception). X1 and XC40 being on the extreme of our budget, don't look like VFM products due to either space crunch or missing features once compared to other products in a similar price range.

Now with the new budget, my heart and mind are only fixated on 2 offerings:

JEEP MERIDIAN or HYUNDAI TUSCON (new gen). And to make matters more complicated, both of them are not available right now. Today got a call from Advaith Hyundai to prebook the new Tuscon, even when they themselves don't know the launch date. But since I have to join back by June start/mid, I am contemplating doing the advance booking.

So please help me out:

• Is it advisable to do advance booking of a car of which, except for the exterior looks and engine specs, I don't know anything about?
• Tucson or Meridian?
• Is any other suitable car in this price bracket except the ones already mentioned?

Hope to get my split thoughts settled down from your helpful inputs!

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

Glad you spent money on an apartment rather than an X3. Between a property investment & a car, I will always go for the former and buy a nicer car later (hopefully with the property's appreciation).

For 50-lakhs, my suggestion to you unfortunately will be to wait. Am not happy with any of the current options, including the bumpy Fortuner or the Meridian which is really a Compass with a small 3rd-row of seats (good for people who need it for kids, but you don't). The best SUVs under 50-lakhs:

• Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TSI with adjustable suspension. Sold out for this year. Check with your Skoda dealer on the next availability. This should be your top choice.
• Next-gen Hyundai Tucson. Great international reviews. Will be worth the wait.
• In the meantime, test-drive the Volvo XC40 (stylish, competent, but small), Camry (brilliant luxury car) and BMW 3-Series (family-friendly & fun).

Waiting might be the best for you. Kodiaq & new Tucson might become available and after a year, perhaps your budget might increase again to 70 lakhs. Never know, that a more expensive car could work out cheaper in the longer run. Want to know how? Read this article - How a more expensive car can work out cheaper (if you hold onto it for longer

Here's what BHPian bharanidharang had to say about the matter:

Golden days of real estate are all over in most places (From an investment perspective). If you are buying a flat to live in, then it's worth the pain you have gone through in terms of the down payment.

Why not the used car route? Quite a few BHPians have picked good used cars which are only a year or two old. You might be able to pick an X3 in the 50 lac range.

Here's what BHPian Axe77 had to say about the matter:

I am exactly in the same position, left to choose between these exact two options. I want an abuse friendly SUV and while I would have wanted it to be great to drive, the Meridian just leaves it wanting on a few crucial fronts.

While the Kodiaq is clearly the best vehicle from a finish, sophistication and performance perspective, I want something that I can take the rough and tumble a bit, with full peace of mind without having to baby the car or be mindful as I would with an expensive German vehicle. I am simply not a full-fat BOF customer either. I would prefer the sophistication of a monocoque package which is a little more car-like to drive than the Fortuner.

That primarily leaves me only with exactly the above two options.

I am also torn between either taking the plunge with the Meridian right away if I find it even "acceptable" or alternately waiting for the next-gen Tucson but then there is no guarantee when it will actually launch. Outlier options could be this all-new Toyota petrol hybrid that is supposed to come through sometime around the festive season, depending on how it's packaged. I intuitively expect that car to be underwhelming to drive compared to the Meridian.

All in all, not a great price point to be in, if one doesn't one to break the bank and stretch to the 75L segment.

To answer your point on advance booking, I see no harm in it as long as it's not a massive amount and if it's FULLY refundable. I had also placed a small token with Jeep on this understanding as far back as Feb / March IIRC but I got both these points clarified in writing from them.

Here's what BHPian CrAzY dRiVeR had to say about the matter:

Yes. A rare one at that - the Citroen C5 Aircross.

Overpriced, yes! But better in ways that the Meridian or Tucson cannot match - stuff like ride quality, cocooned build quality, etc. Competent in other areas like a well-matched Diesel AT combo, five-year complimentary maintenance package, good space and practicality, etc.

Worth a TD.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.