Jeep is all set to reveal the first right-hand drive version of the new 2017 Jeep Compass in India soon. A left-hand drive version of this car has already made its way to various global markets. The car will be assembled at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility in Pune. The two engine options are likely to be of a petrol as well as a diesel derivative each.
The new Jeep is expected to come equipped with all kinds of features to get the average off-roading enthusiast something to look forward to. It borrows a lot from the classic Cherokee, but is smaller and sleeker. Both share the squared-off wheel arches and big alloy wheels. Here is a detailed study of what the car offers:
Power
The petrol variant will most likely be a 1.4-litre Multiair engine that makes 140hp. The engine has been delicately crafted with a turbocharger and electro-hydraulic solenoids between the camshaft and the valve to achieve precise variable timing. The diesel variant, on the other hand, will be a Fiat-sourced 172hp 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, tweaked to the needs of the Indian market and tied to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options will be made available with the Compass but the 4×4 option is only available in the top-spec trims.
Other features
The Compass will come equipped with the latest tech updates. It’s got an 8.0-inch touchscreen for its U-Connect infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, cruise control and seven airbags. This being a Jeep, enthusiasts will be keen on the four-wheel-drive versions, which are likely to get a low-range gearbox and a locking differential to enable the car to get out of sticky situations. For hardcore off-roaders, there’s also a Trailhawk variant that’s jacked up by 20mm, gets off-road tyres, extra body cladding, and underbody protection. However, it remains to be seen whether the Jeep Compass Trailhawk would make it to our shores.
Price and rivals
Coming to the price, the 2017 Jeep Compass is expected to cost around Rs 18 to 22 lakh and will be going up against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Ford’s Endeavour, Toyota’s Fortuner and the upcoming Volkswagen Tiguan.
