JSW Motors, a new Indian automotive brand, collaborated with Chery Automobile, the Chinese carmaker, to launch their vehicles in the Indian market by locally assembling them at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, and rebadging them as JSW cars. The first vehicle they are all set to launch in the Indian market is a rugged and boxy SUV based on the Chery’s Jetour T2.
The report suggests that JSW will launch their first vehicle in India around early 2027. Recently, this SUV has been spotted testing on public roads. The spied image of the test shows the car in heavy camouflage. Its stance and proportions are similar to the Jetour T2, so we are anticipating it to remain the same in size, which is 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width, and 1,880 mm in height.
The spied image shows that this car has a sculpted bumper, square-off wheel arch, roof-mounted rails, dual-tonned Y-spoke alloy wheels, side steps, a rugged front bumper, and a side-opening tailgate with a spare wheel. Except for the wheel design, the rest are similar to what we get to see in the overseas market, which confirms that the Indian-spec version will have a similar exterior designs.
What else do we know about this upcoming JSW first SUV?
Nothing is officially confirmed by the JSW Motors regarding the imminent T2-based SUV. Reports suggest that its cabin will have the features and technology similar to the international-specs model, such as a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and intelligent voice control; and 10.25-inch full-LCD digital instrument cluster.
The Jetour T2 made its global public debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, and on September 26, 2023, the carmaker launched this car with the plug-in hybrid electric powertrain; the same for the Indian-spec model is anticipated. As a PHEV, it is set to get a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol-powered internal combustion engine that delivers 115 kW (154 hp) power and 220 Nm torque.
In addition to an engine, it also has two electric motors under the hood; one is mated with the 3-speed DHT, and the other moves the wheels. The power output of the electric motor is 165 kW (221 hp), and the peak torque is 390 Nm. Combined power output is 284 kW (381 hp) and 610 Nm. Also get a 26.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack giving a 139 km range on NEDC conditions in the EV mode; the combined range is above 1,000 km.
For whom will this upcoming JSW SUV be an ideal choice?
This upcoming SUV under the banner of JSW Motors will make its debut in India as a boxy plug-in hybrid electric car with a seating capacity of 5 people in a 2-3 layout for the driver looking for a spacious SUV for family up to 5 individuals that can run on EV mode in the city and on highways without any range anxiety. Drivers who are looking for a car that meets the above-mentioned need should definitely wait for this upcoming one.
The only PHEV in the mass market segment on sale in India is the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV, but it is a seven-seater. Following the launch of the JSW car, this MG SUV will compete with it. The JSW’ SUV ex-showroom price is still uncertain; it is anticipating that the upcoming PHEV will cost around ₹25 lakh. If they introduce this model with the expected pricing, it will definitely give tough competition PHEVs and HEVs in the segment.
Image Source: Autocar