JSW Motors to unveil Combat plug-in hybrid SUV in India on December 4

The JSW Group is fully ready to make a splash in the automobile sector. The group's JSW Motors is now entering the Indian auto market as a new and independent brand. The company will officially unveil its first SUV, the Combat (JSW Combat), on December 4.

The vehicle will be a powerful, premium five-seater plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV. It is being built at a plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

The Combat is based on the globally known Jetour T2, which is also called the Chery T2. Although a facelift of the Jetour T2 has recently been launched in the global market, the Combat coming to India will be based on the pre-facelift model.

In design, the SUV will have a bold, boxy look. It will get 20-inch alloy wheels, large wheel arch cladding, roof rails, a boot-mounted spare wheel and vertical LED tail-lights. Spy photos from the Indian market show slight changes to the front and rear bumpers. The new Combat logo may appear in place of the Jetour badge.

The engine and mileage are the Combat's biggest attractions. For Indian buyers, the vehicle may get a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an 18.4 kWh battery pack. Two electric motors will be provided for front-wheel drive (FWD). The entire hybrid setup will be linked to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. It is capable of producing 360 hp of power and a maximum torque of 610 Nm.

The SUV will run not only on petrol but also in eco-friendly electric mode. On the NEDC cycle, it will offer an all-electric range of 90 km on electric power alone, that is, without using petrol. With a full charge and a full fuel tank taken together, it will offer a combined range of 1,100 km. This range is considered excellent for long-distance travel.

In the Indian market, the luxury SUV is likely to compete directly with established models such as the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Land Cruiser. In terms of price and features, the vehicle could create strong competition in the market.