Jeep reveals India-spec Compass details

Jeep reveals India-spec Compass details

We drive it in June, launch in Q3

Jeep is part of FCA – Fiat Chrysler America. The Fiat part of that acronym is a storied name in India, but more recently, not for good reasons. Fiat has struggled with their sales network and their current lineup of products is an ageing stable, refreshed occasionally to retain relevance. Jeep themselves had a highly-anticipated brand launch last year, let down by high pricing for the Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee. It’s all been a bit stop-start. The Compass, from all indications, is their Hail Mary pass in India.

It’s a big bet, the Compass. The Ranjangaon plant where it will be manufactured, is a joint venture with Tata Motors. It currently manufactures the Fiat stable as well as Tata’s Bolt and Zest. FCA has pumped in $280mn to ready it for the Compass, which will be exported to UK and ASEAN right-hand drive markets from India. It’s a high-tech, highly automated facility with many firsts to ensure that quality is top-notch.

The Jeep Compass is a C-segment SUV, and is expected to slot in between the Hyundai Creta and Tucson, and similar vehicles. It will be available in two engine options: a 1.4-litre Multi Air petrol making 160hp and 250Nm, and a 2.0-litre diesel making 170hp and 350Nm. 4x4 with Mud, Sand, Snow and Auto modes. Two gearboxes will be offered: a 6-speed manual, and a 7-speed dual-dry clutch automatic. We expect the auto to be paired with 4x4 and the diesel motor to offer unprecedented capability in this segment. Jeep is also playing-up it’s 50+ safety features, including ABS, ESC, Dynamic Steering Torque (DST), Hill Start Assist (standard across variants), adaptive brake lights, panic brake assist and six airbags.

Jeep officials also stressed the 4x4 capabilities of the Compass, and claim to offer unique capabilities for this segment. Apart from the SELEC-TERRAIN drive modes, it includes clever features such as a “Brake Lock differential”, which applies brakes on wheels with no traction to ensure the ones that do, get power. It’s not a locking differential, nor a replacement, but does a similar job. Also available will be Frequency-Sensitive Damping (FSD), which will optimise ride quality depending on terrain. This is a big step forward for this class of vehicle.

Also noteworthy is that many features will come standard, including on the base variant. For instance, an electronic parking brake, hill-start assist and more.

The Ranjangaon facility will also debut some technologies in India. For instance, the door panels are laser-welded for the Compass, while other panels are Plasma-cut, ensuring consistent and accurate shut lines across the vehicle. The pre-production mule we were shown certainly did look very well put together.

The Jeep Compass is on track for a Q3 launch, and we should be driving a production version in June. Based on the number of features and quality we’ve seen, we expect prices north of ₹20 lac. – maybe 25, though some of our colleagues have aggressive expectations, down to the ₹18 lac neighbourhood. Still, even at the higher end of that range, the premium Jeep brand should attract interest.