Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group is making an independent foray into India’s passenger vehicle market with its inaugural model, the 'Combat' plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) SUV. Set to debut during the upcoming festive season, the five-seater vehicle is based on Chery’s global Jetour T2 SUV platform. Local assembly for the 'Combat' is planned at JSW’s manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, establishing a distinct operational identity separate from the existing JSW MG Motor joint venture.
A New Force in India's SUV Market
The JSW Combat establishes a rugged aesthetic, characterized by an upright stance, distinctive squarish LED headlamps, and aggressive bumpers. Its robust design is further accentuated by roof rails, massive 20-inch alloy wheels, and heavy body cladding. Modern trail-ready touches include a squircle-shaped boot-mounted spare wheel cover. Beyond minor grille adjustments and bespoke badging unique to JSW, the vehicle largely retains the structural proportions and imposing presence of the global-spec Jetour T2.
Tech-Forward Interior and Advanced Features
Inside, the Combat’s cabin adopts a sophisticated, tech-forward approach. It features a prominent 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, a crisp 10.6-inch digital instrument cluster, and a multi-function four-spoke steering wheel for intuitive control. Higher trim levels are expected to offer a suite of premium features, enhancing both comfort and convenience:
- Panoramic glass sunroof and a customizable ambient lighting setup
- Ventilated, power-adjustable front seats for enhanced comfort
- A premium 12-speaker audio system for an immersive sound experience
- A 540-degree camera suite, combining standard 360-degree views with transparent underbody visibility for challenging terrains
- A comprehensive Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) package, including adaptive cruise control and advanced lane support systems
Hybrid Power and Impressive Range
Under the hood, the JSW Combat relies on a potent plug-in hybrid architecture. This system pairs a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors, drawing power from an 18.4 kWh LFP battery pack. Power is managed by a 3-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) and delivered to the front wheels, resulting in a combined output of 360 horsepower and a substantial 610 Nm of torque.
The sophisticated plug-in hybrid setup provides an electric-only driving range of up to 90 km under the NEDC cycle. This contributes to an impressive overall combined range of nearly 1,200 km on a full tank of fuel and a complete battery charge. For convenience, the battery can be replenished quickly via DC fast-charging, allowing it to charge from 30 to 80 percent in just 27 minutes.
Strategic Pricing and Future Vision
JSW Motors is targeting an aggressive price bracket for the Combat, estimated between ₹30 lakh and ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom). This strategic positioning aims to carve out a unique niche in the Indian market, offering a localized plug-in hybrid alternative to popular strong-hybrid models like the Honda ZR-V and established conventional ladder-frame diesel offerings such as the Toyota Fortuner.
The 'Combat' title is one of seven trademarks recently secured by the brand, alongside names like Adventura, Cadet, Urbanique, Dominor, Sereno, and Eleve. This indicates the beginning of a broader, multi-segment model pipeline for JSW Motors as it establishes its presence in the Indian automotive landscape.