Jeep Compass Trailhawk India launch; more details of off-road special variant out

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India's subsidiary Jeep had a splash in 2018. The Compass retained a healthy sales throughout the year and Jeep has also introduced Bedrock limited edition, Black Pack edition and new range-topping variant, Limited Plus, this year.

The variant options for the Jeep Compass will not end there as the company has lined up the Trailhawk edition for 2019. For uninitiated, Compass Trailhawk edition is the most off-road focused version of the SUV.

Jeep India was supposed to launch the Compass Trailhawk this year. However, the plan was delayed reportedly due to the recalibrating process of the engine that needs to comply with Bharat Stage VI emission norms coming into effect in 2020.

A report in Autocar claims Jeep India will now launch the Compass Trailhawk in the second quarter of 2019.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk- A closer look

Being an off-road specialist variant, the Compass Trailhawk will come equipped with an Active Drive Low-range 4WD system and a new 'Rock mode' for its Selec-Terrain 4WD system. The 4x4 system is more advanced than the one on the regular Compass units and it will ensure extreme off-road capability.

It will be complemented with raised suspension setup, dual purpose on/off road tires and skid plates. The Trailhawk edition sits 20mm higher and that offers better approach (30-degree) and departure (33.6-degree) angles, spot on for off-road.

India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be offered only with a diesel engine and automatic transmission combination. The mill will be the same 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel mill that belts out 170.6bhp and 350Nm output, now updated to be compliant to BS-VI norms. It will be coupled with a new nine-speed automatic transmission.

On the features front, the Compass Trailhawk will boast of a sunroof which is now a craze among buyers. In addition, the SUV will also get a larger 8.4-inch infotainment system that recently made the debut on the Compass Limited Plus.

The Compass Trailhawk will set itself apart from the other Compass variants certain add-ons. The off-road special variant will come with blacked out body panels, anti-glare bonnet decal, dark-coloured alloy wheels, underbody skid plates, all weather floor mats and revised bumpers that houses exposed tow hooks.

The Trailhawk will be the range-topping variant of the Compass in India. It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.5 lakh over the current range-topper Compass Limited Plus 4X4 which is priced at Rs 22.85 lakh (ex-showroom).