Jeep, the iconic American SUV brand, is all set to roll out its first-ever, Made-in-India Compass on June, 01. The Hyundai Tucson sized, premium SUV is being manufactured out of Fiat’s plant in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra. This plant will not only build cars for India, but also for right-hand-drive markets like Japan and UK. The Compass is a global model, and the car we get here will be built to the same standards as the one sold abroad. Technology like laser-welding have been used for the doors and body panels – a first in for a car in India.
The Compass will be available globally in as many as 17 engine, gearbox and drivetrain configurations, but in India, it will be offered with two engine options. One is a 170hp 2.0-litre diesel, which will be available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. The sole gearbox on offer with this engine will be a six-speed manual unit; it won’t be offered with an automatic gearbox at the time of launch. The second engine for the Compass is a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol that’s expected to make about 160hp. This motor too, will be offered in 4x2 and 4x4, but in addition to a six-speed manual, it will also be offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Fully loaded variants will get equipment like a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s bundled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and as many as six airbags. The car’ safety suite will also include ABS, ESP, electronic roll-over mitigation, hill-start assist and a reverse camera with sensors.
The heavy amount of locally made parts in the SUV’s build is sure to allow Jeep to keep prices of the Compass competitive. Expect it to cost ₹18-25 lakh when it hits showrooms.
