First Made-in-India Jeep Compass Rolls Out

Update: Our review for the Jeep Compass is out. Is the entry level Jeep worthy of wearing the seven-slat grille? Find out in the first drive review.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) rolled out the first made-in-India Jeep Compass from its Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra today. India now joins China, Brazil and Mexico as manufacturing and export hubs for the Jeep Compass. The Ranjangaon plant will be the sole export facility for right-hand-drive markets across the globe like the UK and Japan. With assembly in full swing, geeks will be happy to note that the Compass also becomes the first car in the country to use adaptive lasers to weld the doors.

Recommended read: 5 things to know about the Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is based on the same platform that also underpins the Jeep Renegade and the Fiat 500X. FCA India says it has managed to achieve 70 per cent parts localisation for the Jeep Compass which include the engines on offer as well. The most interesting powertrain here for enthusiasts would be the 2.0-litre MultiJet turbocharged diesel engine that produces 172PS and 350Nm of torque. The diesel engine will only be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The other option is the 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol motor that produces around 162PS. This engine can be had with a choice of transmission options - a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual dry clutch automatic transmission. Both engines will be available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. In other markets, the Jeep Compass is available with as many as 17 engine options!

After receiving backlash from Jeep fans across the country for the absurd price positioning of the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee, the brand is now looking to make amends with the Compass. Not only will the latest Jeep be packed with features, it will also have a sensible price tag this time around. The Jeep Compass is expected to be priced around the Rs 20-25 lakh range, and will be equipped with features such as a 7-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Even the interior quality and levels of fit and finish are said to be the same as the models sold across the world.

In terms of safety, the Jeep Compass will be offered with as many as six airbags. Features like ABS, EBD, reverse camera with parking sensors, electronic roll-over mitigation and hill-start assist will be part of standard equipment. When launched, the Jeep Compass will compete with the Hyundai Tucson, VW Tiguan and the upcoming all-new Honda CR-V.