American utility vehicle specialist Jeep entered in India in August with top-of-the-line products Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee range. Prices for Jeep models in India starts at Rs 71.59 lakh and goes up to Rs 1.12 crore, ex-showroom Delhi. This has raised a few eyebrows for steep pricing. FCA India, parent company of Jeep India, responded that it will launch new Jeep Compass in India that will be manufactured at Fiat's Ranjangaon facility. Emerging reports indicate this SUV will be pitted against the just launched Hyundai Tucson in the Rs 18 lakh to 25 lakh category.
Jeep already has a huge fan following in India. A product under Rs 25 lakh is expected to make the brand more popular in the country and the Compass will be a volume seller for the manufacturer. Following the picture release in September, Jeep revealed other information on the new Compass at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show.
In terms of design, the new Compass is a departure from the current ordinary-looking Compass. The new version is crisper in design which is in line with the Grand Cherokee. The pronouncing grille and wrap-around headlamp give a contemporary look to the new Compass. The alloy wheels are in chrome shade and the vehicle also sports a contrasting roof colour.
Inside the cabin, new Compass will feature two-tone interior, Terrain Select dial and a large 8.4mm touchscreen. The compact SUV will be offered with leather seats push-button start, a dual panoramic sunroof and rear aircon vents.
The India-spec will be powered by 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel that makes 170bhp mated to either 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic transmissions. Apart from 4WD and 2WD configurations, the Compass will also get Selec-terrain that allows you to choose a variety of driving modes to find traction on snow, sand/ mud. Jeep Compass may also come with a 1.4 Multiair petrol motor with an output nearly 140bhp. The Compass will be offered in three trim levels initially – Sport, Longitude and Limited while hardcore off-road version (Trailhawk) will follow later.
