Jeep will unveil the India-spec Compass on April 12, 2017. Here's everything you need to know about the all-new baby Jeep.
It’s been a long time coming but the Jeep Compass is finally here. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has officially announced that the all-new Compass will be making its India debut on April 12, 2017. The Compass will be Jeep’s first locally-assembled vehicle for the Indian market, and therefore, it has a lot riding on its shoulders. Let's see if it's actually capable of changing the fortunes of Fiat in India as we take a quick low down on its design, specification, features, competition, and expected price.
Design:
The Jeep Compass is an all-new vehicle that is underpinned by the firm's Small Wide 4x4 platform that also forms the base for the smaller Renegade SUV. However, compared to the Renegade, the Compass’s wheelbase has been stretched further, which makes it more spacious. Dimension wise, the Compass is 2,032mm wide, 1,641mm high and 4,394mm long – about the same size as a Mahindra XUV500 or Hyundai Tucson. What sets the Compass apart though is its butch looks. The Compass's exterior draws inspiration from the bigger brother Grand Cherokee. Design elements like squared-off wheel arches, a seven-slat grille, LED daytime running lamps with projector headlamps, LED tail-lamps and massive 19-inch alloy wheels make the Compass look quite intimidating.
Specification:
Globally, the Compass is available in five engine options including two petrol and three diesel powertrains. For India, Jeep is expected to offer the Compass with two engine options – a 2.0-litre Multijet turbo diesel and 1.4-litre MultiAir turbo-petrol. The former will be paired to a 9-speed automatic while the latter will come with a 6-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive will be standard and a 6-speed manual will also be offered. A four-wheel drive variant that will sit at the top of the range is also expected.
Features:
As you can see in the images, the interior of the Compass looks stylish and upmarket. Equipment wise, too, it’s brimming with features. The centre stack will feature a 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment screen depending on the trim. The infotainment system gets Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity options. Additionally, the Compass will have an electronic parking brake, engine start-stop system, automatic climate control, etc. The 4WD variant will also have Selec-Terrain control on the centre console. Among other highlights, the Compass will have either a 3.5- or 7-inch LED driver information display.
Competition & expected price:
Jeep will produce the Compass at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility in Pune for both domestic and international markets (right-hand drive) with around 80 per cent parts localisation. As a consequence, the company is expected to price the Compass aggressively. Our guess is that it'll carry a price tag ranging between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.
Since Jeep is known for its off-road capability, the 4WD equipped variant will be the centrepiece of the range. It will take the fight against the likes of the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, et al, while the lesser front-wheel drive variants of the Compass will compete with the Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Yeti and top-end AWD versions of Mahindra XUV500.
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