Jeep is all set to launch its Hyundai Tuscon-sized premium SUV in August this year. It’s expected to cost Rs 18-25 lakh, and Jeep has managed to achieve the aggressive prices by producing the SUV out of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ plant in Ranjangaon, near Pune. We bring you all the details on it.
On the outside
The Compass looks like a shrunken-down Grand Cherokee, and its upright, angular proportions set it apart from sportier SUVs. In front, it sports the Jeep-typical, seven-slat grille flanked by projector-beam headlamps, and gets squared wheelarches; even the taillamps get LED elements.
Creature comforts
The Compass is expected to come in three variants – Sport, Latitude and Limited. They will come with 60:40 split seats, two airbags, ABS and ESP as standard; higher variants will come with a 7.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system loaded with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, reverse parking camera, leather seats, six airbags, electronic rollover mitigation and hill-start assist. It however, misses out on a sunroof.
Engine and gearbox
You can spec the Compass with either a 170hp, 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engine or a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor that produces in the region of 160hp, Both engines can be had in 4x2 and 4x4. Where the petrol comes with the choice of a six-speed manual and a seven-speed automatic, there’s only a six-speed manual for the diesel variants.
Going off the road
This being a Jeep, it is sure to be the best in class when it comes to tackling tough terrain. Top-end variants will come with a four-wheel-drive system, and Jeep's Selec-Terrain Traction Management system; this feature preps the SUV for challenging conditions like snow, sand/mud and rocks.
Given the US$280 million investment at in the Ranjangaon plant, it’s clear that Jeep and parent company are betting big on the Compass. That massive investment is also because the plant will also produce the Compass for right-hand drive markets like the UK, Japan and Australia in addition to the domestic market.
The Compass will take on the Hyundai Tucson along with the likes of the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour.
