JSW Motors, the new standalone passenger vehicle brand under JSW Group, is all set to enter the competitive automobile market in India after officially unveiling its first car on 4 December. The vehicle dubbed JSW Combat is expected to enter the market as a plug-in hybrid D-segment SUV and will represent the conglomerate’s first independent step in the passenger vehicle market beyond its joint venture with China’s SAIC Motor under the MG brand.
The Combat is set to comprise the launchpad for JSW Motors as the company’s initial portfolio will be formed around imported or mildly adapted versions of cars made by China’s Chery Group, which would allow it to enter the fray without engaging in time- and capital-intensive development of in-house design and engineering capabilities. It is likely that the Indian-market variant of the JSW Combat will see minor tweaks to the front bumper and headlamps, as well as the use of different alloy wheels, but will retain the boxy design and aggressive stance of the donor model. Under the bonnet, the Combat is expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an 18.4 kWh battery pack and electric motors to produce 360 hp and 610 Nm of torque that will be sent to the wheels via a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.
The manufacturer claims the powertrain will enable the SUV to deliver an electric range of 90 km and a combined driving range of over 1,100 km per charge, making it a practical car for both everyday commuting and long-distance travel. The production of the Combat will commence at JSW’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, with 4 December being also an important date for JSW Motors, as the company’s roadmap beyond the Combat will see the creation of a network of experience centres separate from MG dealerships.
Apart from the Combat, JSW Motors’ future portfolio includes other models from Chery, including the Jaecoo J5 and iCaur V23, with 2027 being a key year for the new entrant as it aims to ramp up volumes and build brand equity with its first car. Analysts believe the JSW Combat will have a premium price tag, appealing to buyers seeking something unique with extensive equipment and adventurous styling. As 4 December approaches, the public will get its first look at JSW Group’s plans to create a premium automotive brand under its own name and establish its presence in one of the world’s most competitive automobile markets.
