American carmaker Jeep entered into Indian market with Wrangler unlimited and Grand Cherokee priced in the range of Rs. 71 lakh to Rs. 1.12 crore (ex-showroom). The SUVs are clearly way overpriced and overshadowed its capability. Now, American carmaker is currently working on its next project i.e. Jeep compass SUV which will be carmaker’s most affordable car when launched.
Having made its global debut at 2016 Los Angeles auto show, Jeep compass is likely to make its India debut in August 2017. The SUV will be locally manufactured at company’s Ranjangaon plant in Pune with localization of 80 percent. Hence, it is likely to be priced around Rs. 17-20 lakh (ex-showroom). Jeep has invested $280 million in Pune plant to locally manufacture its vehicles.
Besides India, the baby grand Cherokee will also be manufacture in Brazil, China and Mexico catering the needs of Europe, Asia, Australia, North and South America. The Jeep compass utilizes wide 4*4 architecture which also underpins the Jeep renegade. The SUV is 4.4m long and by no means comply to sub 4m meter category. It offers an impressive ground clearance of 221mm.
It gets design inspiration from Grand Cherokee and gets signature 7-slat front grille, LED projector headlights with daytime running lights, muscular front bumper with wide air dam and clamp-shell bonnet. Side feature with 17 inch diamond cut alloy wheels, trapezoidal wheel arches with black plastic cladding and adjustable ORVMs. Rear sports Split LED tail lights, silver skid plate on muscular bumper with plastic cladding and rear spoiler.
Interiors too are based on Grand Cherokee so expect premium quality material and host of comfort features. The SUV will be loaded with a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple car play, Android Auto, dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, glass sunroof, power tailgate, capless fuel system, terrain select dial with multiple driving modes, ABS with EBD, ESP, reverse parking camera, traction control and much more.
The compass is offered with five powertrains across the globe while India will get only one petrol and diesel engine. In India, Jeep compass will be launched with 2.0l Multijet diesel motor that is rated to deliver 170bhp of max power and 360Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic gearbox with 2WD and AWD options. The 1.4l Multi Air turbo unit is expected to launch at a later stage.
