After unwrapping it in March this year, Jeep India has now launched the Meridian. What becomes the third locally-produced model for the brand, the three-row SUV is available with a starting price of INR 29.90 lakh. And, if you want it with all the bells and whistles, the ex-showroom cost jumps to INR 36.95 lakh. For more clarity, here’s the complete price list:

Now, keeping the Meridian a diesel-only model is a bold decision. And the engine it gets comes from the Compass. It’s a 2.0-litre turbocharged mill that produces 168bhp/350Nm. A 6-speed manual transmission comes coupled to the powerplant by default. However, there’s the option of a 9-speed automatic as well. Also, if you want the Jeep Meridian with AWD (All-Wheel-Drive), you’ll have to settle for the automatic gearbox. And in case you didn’t notice, the diesel-AT FWD combo is the first on a Jeep in India.

Even if you settle for the entry-level version, you’ll get a handsomely loaded package. The features list includes 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, auto headlamps and wipers and projector LED headlamps. The Meridian Limited also gets a wireless mobile charger, keyless entry with push-button start, hill hold assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system and six airbags.

The Limited (O) trim level ropes in additional features, including a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a powered tailgate, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera. Even the choice of dual-tone paint schemes is exclusive to top-end trim.

Jeep India confirms that the Meridian has over 80 per cent localised parts. That should help keep the maintenance costs down. But, sure, the option of a petrol engine would have been good. And it might even happen at a later stage. In India, the Meridian is a direct rival for the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq and the MG Gloster. So, if you had to pick one out of the four, which would it be?