Five Things To Know About The Jeep Compass

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.

The much-awaited Jeep Compass was unveiled in India today. The American SUV-maker’s global product will be sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. Let’s look at five things you ought to know about the Compass.  

Compact, But Not Small 

Even though the Compass is Jeep’s baby SUV, it is by no means small when it comes to the dimensions. The Compass measures 4398 mm in length, 1819 mm in breadth, 1667 mm in height and 2636 mm in wheelbase. These dimensions are comparable to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and the Skoda Yeti. 

Impressive Powertrain Options

Though the Compass is offered with 17 powertrains globally, Jeep is offering two engine options in India - a 2-litre diesel engine making over 170PS of power and 350Nm of torque. The 1.4-litre Multiair petrol, which is turbocharged, will make over 162PS and 250Nm of torque. The engines come mated with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. 

Stays True to the Jeep DNA

The front wheel-driven Compass will also come with a 4-wheel drive system as an option. The 4-wheel variant will also get Jeep’s Selec-Terrain management system with different driving modes, namely - Auto, Snow, Mud and Sand, to tackle different terrains efficiently. However, this Selec-Terrain feature is only available with the manual transmission variants. The Compass in ‘Auto’ mode disengages the rear wheels to reduce drag - in turn becoming more fuel-efficient. The ground clearance stands at 178 mm, which is a cause of concern though. 

Safety Given The Highlight

Safety is one of the highlights of the Compass, with Jeep offering 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Hill start assist, roll-over mitigation and all-weather traction control. The chassis on the Compass uses high-strength steel and hot stamped parts for rigidity while being lighter at the same time. 

Make-In-India Initiative

The Compass will be made in India at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility in Pune. Moreover, India will be the sole manufacturing hub for the right-hand drive variants globally. The made-in-India product, with its high level of localisation, promises to be priced competitively and will definitely raise the bar in its segment. Jeep promises that one global quality product will be provided to all markets. 

We will have to wait till the official launch in July to figure out exact prices and its primary rivals. We expect the Compass prices to hover around the Rs 25-30 lakh price bracket and rival the likes of Hyundai Tucson, Skoda Yeti and Honda CR-V in India.

Also Read: Made-In-India For India Jeep Compass Unveiled