Jeep entered the Indian market last year with its directly imported SUVs which are unaffordable to most Indian car buyers.

One of the most anticipated SUVs of this year, the Jeep Compass has finally been launched at a price of Rs 14.95 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi). At this launch price, it is the most affordable Jeep product in India and is almost Rs 41 lakh cheaper than the next in line Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep entered the Indian market last year with its directly imported SUVs which are unaffordable to most Indian car buyers. However, with the launch of the Compass, this has changed, and now a bigger number of people can enjoy the seven-slat grille SUVs from the American automaker.  

Prices

Petrol

Sport - Rs 14.95 Lakh

Limited AT - Rs 18.70 Lakh

Limited AT O - Rs 19.40 Lakh

Diesel

Sport - Rs 15.45 Lakh

Longitude - Rs 16.45 Lakh

Longitude O - Rs 17.25 Lakh

Limited - Rs 18.05 Lakh

Limited O - Rs 18.75 Lakh

Limited 4x4 - Rs 19.95 Lakh

Limited O 4x4 - Rs 20.65 Lakh

Under the bonnet of the Jeep Compass lies its Fiat-sourced heart. The petrol mill is a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol which pumps out a healthy 162PS of power and 250Nm of peak torque. The diesel motor is a 2.0-litre unit which produces 173PS of power and 350Nm of peak torque, which will make it the ideal choice for the adventurous lot. A 6-Speed manual is available with both engines, with the petrol also getting a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. The 4x4, though, for now, will only be available with the diesel.

In terms of looks, the Compass gets its attitude from the Grand Cherokee. The stance, the front grille, headlamp position and the squared-off bonnet, all give it a muscular stance which is unlike any other in the segment. From the side, The rising shoulder line and the sloping roofline give it a sporty stance. And because it is an SUV, the thick C-pillar (imitating a shark fin) and the trapezoidal wheel arches give it the muscle.

In terms of the features, the Compass has plenty. Starting outside, the Compass gets white element headlamps underlined by LED guide lights. The DRLs, however, are placed on the bumper, like eyebrows for the foglamps. At the rear, the Compass spots guide lights in the taillamps, which are similar to the guides in the front.

The list inside the cabin, though, gets a little controversial. The dual-tone cabin feels premium but the lower half of the dashboard and the seats, dressed in white, will be challenging to keep clean in our conditions. The steering wheel has controls on the left panel for calls and menu navigation, with filler caps on the right for infotainment control which we do not get. Also, the volume and mode control buttons are behind the steering and will take some getting used to.

Other than this, the list of features includes 7-inch infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six-speaker setup, height adjustable driver's seat and reach/rake adjustable steering wheel. Also, don't forget the party trick, the knob which lets you play with the ‘Selec Terrain’ traction modes.

As of now, the Jeep Compass has already surpassed 5000 bookings and is being retailed out of the 50 Jeep outlets and FCA’s Destination Stores which sell both of its brands - Fiat and Jeep. Rivals of the Compass include the Hyundai Tucson, Tata Hexa and the Honda CR-V. 

Source: ZigWheels.com