Jeep has some big plans in store for the Indian market with the launch of the Jeep Compass here this month. The model has been tailored to the needs of the Indian market and the will be produced at Fiat's Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra. This production facility will also cater to international markets - it will also be the main supplier to all right-hand drive markets such as the UK, Japan and Australia. The Compass is expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
There is much to look forward to in the new model and Jeep has taken great care to ensure that the features offered are top notch. Take, for example, the comfortable interiors that have been focused on primarily for a more luxurious experience. The car is 4,398mm long, 1,667mm tall, 1,819mm wide and seats five people. Here’s a detailed look at what the new Compass offers:
The look and feel of the car
The Compass reminds one a lot of the classic Grand Cherokee, albeit smaller. The design is smart and features such as the Jeep grille, wedge-shaped headlamps and the chrome lining adorning the side give this car a distinguished air. A major highlight is the frequency selective damping system, that will work to alter the dampers for rough roads and corners; there’s an electric handbrake as well. The quirky squared-off wheel arches are pleasantly surprising. The front and the back are both fitted with LED daytime running lights and LED tail lamps. All that added wheelbase leaves plenty of legroom and headspace, so this car is bound to be comfortable. The Jeep Compass will also get a black roof option, a feature that’s popular in the Indian market. Other factors contributing to its premium look are a small 3.5-inch driver information display, smart metalwork in the interiors, 3.5-inch driver information display and leather seats available in the higher variants.
The power
The SUV will be available globally in as many as 17 engine-gearbox and drivetrain configurations and some of them will be manufactured in India for international markets. But the Indian version will come with the different power structure. There will be two different variants available with the India-spec Compass - a 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel that puts out 170hp and 350Nm of torque. This engine will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. There’s only one gearbox with this engine and it’s a six-speed manual unit. There will be no automatic transmission on offer for now but a nine-speed automatic gearbox could feature at a later stage. The second variant is the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol. It makes around 160hp and, like the diesel variant will be available with 4x2 and 4x4 option. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. The car will get a four-wheel-drive system along with Jeep's terrain response system.
Off-roading features
Jeep ensures that the Compass is a good performer off-road, thanks to its Selec-Terrain Traction Management system, which equips the car with driving modes such as Snow, Sand and Rock options. Though we do not know if India will receive a low-range model, the high-end versions are said to come equipped with a differential locking system as well. This option is likely to be part of the more off-road-focused Trailhawk version, which will join the line-up later. There could be a two-wheel-drive variant that Jeep will offer to achieve a lower entry price.
Other bells and whistles
The interior will come in a subdued dual-tone finish and a 7.0-inch Uconnect infotainment system, that also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is said to feature. All Jeep Compass variants in India will feature a 60:40 split rear seats. As far as safety is concerned, there are at least six airbags plus various other safety equipment such as ABS, ESP, electronic roll-over mitigation and hill-start assist.
Kevin Flynn, President and MD of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, India Operations says, “This is a global product and we are glad that our Indian plant has been given the responsibility of producing the Compass for the world.”