Since its launch in 2016, the Jeep brand hasn’t made a name for itself in India. That’s mainly due to a small dealer footprint and exorbitantly priced products. But with the Compass SUV, Jeep wants to enter the large volume segment of the Indian market all guns blazing.
It will do so by launching Compass with a long line-up of variants, which can be specified with diesel and petrol engines, which in turn, can be had with either manual or automatic gearboxes and even an All-Wheel-Drive system. This approach is in contrast with most launches, where companies hold back some options for later to sustain consumer interest.
Jeep is being hush with exact details, but expected on the cards is a 2.0 litre four-cylinder Multijet engine with an output of 170hp and 350 Nm torque. This engine is expected to be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. A high-tech 1.4 litre Multiair turbo-petrol engine with a 140 hp power output is also expected.
The 4x4 system will have a low ratio and a traction management system, which should make the Compass a really capable off-roading machine.
Expect the Compass to be priced at around the ₹20-25 lakh mark. It will rival premium SUVs like the Hyundai Tucson and also bigger models like the Ford Endeavour.