JSW Motors is set to enter India’s competitive mid-size and premium SUV fray with the plug-in hybrid Combat, developed on the international Chery Jetour T2 platform. In opting to name its first-ever SUV the Combat, JSW announced its intention to develop a tough, multi-capable, and high-tech product that would rival the petrol and diesel SUVs in this class. The five-seater premium SUV is set to launch this festive season on the occasion of Diwali, when buyers are traditionally inclined to purchase automobiles.
The JSW Combat has been designed around a twin-motor four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain. A turbo petrol 1.5 TGDI engine, electric machines, and a DHT three-speed gearbox form the powertrain unit, which delivers an impressive 600 PS of power and 700 Nm of torque. The car’s large 43 kWh LFP battery with a 70-liter fuel tank on board offers the option of pure EV driving for everyday commuting while also providing the range of up to 1200 km on a full tank. This makes the JSW Combat a viable alternative for Indian buyers who are interested in reducing their carbon footprint without giving up on the ability to cover long distances on a single tank.
JSW Combat measures 4617 mm from end to end and has a 2800 mm wheelbase, making it a large family car that provides comfort and space for all five occupants. Its kerb weight of 2110 kg indicates that it is a heavy machine built on a robust chassis, fitted with all-wheel-drive machinery. It hints at the possibility that the JSW Combat’s exterior might adopt a rugged design language that is in line with the Combat branding and is different from the premium urban SUVs of its competitors. The anticipated price range of the JSW Combat is between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, which will put it directly in competition with the likes of the Honda ZR-V hybrid, Jeep Compass and Meridian, and the popular Toyota Fortuner.
The JSW Combat’s arrival in India marks a growing trend of both Indian automakers and joint-venture producers capitalizing on the popularity of hybrid powertrains. JSW Combat builds upon a successful international platform, localizes its features and technology, and positions itself as a competitor to both petrol and diesel SUVs as well as fully electric cars. The JSW Combat is set to challenge the market at the onset of the festive season, when the automobile industry traditionally witnesses a surge in sales. It remains to be seen if Indian buyers will favor the Combat’s combination of power, range, and value over its competitors.
