As the hype around the Jeep Compass in India settles, finer details about the compact SUV are slowly emerging. Jeep India, a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India’s portfolio, will manufacture the Compass on Indian soil itself at the company’s plant in Ranjangaon near Pune.
The Pune plant will also export to Australia, Japan and the UK - it will serve as the mother plant for all right-hand drive markets. The Compass will be the first locally assembled product by Jeep India, so naturally, expectations are high. The company has promised that the Compass will be more of an 'SUV for the masses', after the launch of its other slightly highly priced models such as the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited this February. The Jeep Compass is expected to be launched in the price range of ₹18-25 lakh.
At first glance, it's hard to miss the similarities between the Compass and a mini Grand Cherokee, while it also makes use of the small and wide 4x4 architecture associated with the Renegade. The five-seater SUV is 4,398mm long, 1,667mm tall and 1,819mm wide and the square wheel arches cut a very interesting look. The front retains the trademark seven-slot grille and headlight combo, and the front and rear lamps are fitted with LEDs, while ground clearance is an impressive 221mm. The car even skimps on weight by opting for a sturdy yet light frame structure. The car that will be made on Indian shores may differ a little as compared to its global counterparts, but expect the major details to remain unchanged. FCA India's Ranjangaon plant has an annual vehicle production capacity of 160,000 units, a powertrain capacity of 350,000 engines and 300,000 transmission units.
The Compass will be powered by both petrol as well as diesel engine engines, with the petrol being a 1.4-litre Multi-Air unit, producing around 160hp and 250Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel motor will develop around 170hp and 350Nm of peak torque. Both engines will come mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed Dual Dry Clutch Technology (DDCT) automatic gearbox, though power options may differ as various markets have varied demands. Other features include a wide range of security and safety features such as including as many as six airbags with dual-stage passenger airbags, ABS, ESC, Hill Start Assist and Dynamic Safety Torque (DST). Particularly advanced are the Selec-Terrain traction management system and Driveline Disconnect Technology, both of which will ensure a seamless performance.
The interiors have been generously blessed with good tech too and will host a 7-inch information display equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The car also has a capless fuel system, keyless entry with passive go, a power tailgate, and a glass sunroof.
