Friyay: A weekend with the Jeep Compass Limited Plus

Friyay: A weekend with the Jeep Compass Limited Plus

Two years on, the Compass retains its charm, no matter how many times wedrive it

When I first drove the Compass back in 2017, the motor and suspension stood out. It thought then — as I do now — that the package just worked, and I’d have no problem driving around in a lower-end variant as long as the drivetrain and springs remained the same. Back then, the press were given a shot at the diesel engine. One recent weekend, I had a go with the petrol.

The Limited Plus is a cherry-on-top variant above the original range-topper. What you get for your extra cash is an enormous-looking panoramic sunroof, additional airbags, auto headlamps and wipers, powered driver’s seat with memory, auto-dimming rear view mirror, very sweet 18” chrome rims and an 8.4” touchscreen — one of the largest in the segment. All this for roughly a lac more than the previous top-spec model. The petrol automatic we drove goes for about ₹21.41 lac ex-showroom.

Does the extra money feel worth it? If you thought the Compass was okay value for money before, it remains so with the Plus variant. There’s a fair bit of equipment for your Rs 1,00,000 premium, and I found myself repeatedly admiring the lovely wheels on the thing. I’ve always felt that the Compass experience is quite premium on the inside, and that continues to be the case. The 8.4” touchscreen does command attention in the centre, but otherwise is unremarkable in terms of software, responsiveness. The cabin still feels top-notch, and I like the soft-touch leather everywhere. The powered driver’s seat was definitely appreciated.

This is my second go in a petrol-powered Compass, and this time round it felt a bit better. Quite likely because my expectations were tempered by my previous stint. It’s a tiny 1.4-litre four cylinder motor that makes big power: 163hp/250Nm specifically. But making that sort of power requires the turbo to work hard. Compared to the diesel, the petrol motor feels like it’s just about earning its keep. Thankfully, the 7-speed dual-clutch auto makes light work of progress, and 120kmph feels breezy and easy on the highway.

We’re told the Compass automatic attracts female buyers for its convenience. As a male driver, I appreciate convenience as well. The Compass felt at home in the city — neither too large or small, and was reasonably quiet and cosseted inside. Ride quality remains solid despite the larger wheels. I’m not one for cruise control, but that ugly blank button area on the steering wheel is still an eyesore. Come on Jeep, you could have been classier like with the rest of the vehicle.

Times are getting tough for compact SUVs. With the price range of the Compass pointed due North, the competition is baying for blood. The soon-to-be-launched Harrier uses the same diesel motor (detuned), but offers more space for less money, the Nissan Kicks keeps things soft and floaty for less, and the contenders will keep on coming with Kia waiting in the wings. The Compass gave us quite a bit back in 2017, but if customers are to be believed, the diesel automatic is where it’s at. Will the Compass deliver?