The Jeep Compass Gets A Comprehensive Mid-life Update

• Facelifted Jeep Compass debuts at Guangzhou Auto Show.
• Gets redesigned headlamps, bumpers, and a 7-slat chrome grille.
• Interior features new floating touchscreen infotainment with connected car tech.
• The India-spec model’s engine options will be the same as the existing Compass.

Jeep has revealed the facelifted Compass at the Guangzhou International Motor show in China. It comes with a redesigned exterior, brand-new interiors, and additional features. The updated Compass is set to be launched in the country in early 2021, possibly by March. The India-specific model is likely to be powered by the existing petrol and diesel engines. 

The Compass’ exterior updates include a redesigned seven-slat grille featuring honeycomb inserts with chrome embellishments, flanked by redesigned headlamps with LED DRLs. The bumper is more aggressive and muscular than before, giving the front end a beefy look. Save for the new alloy wheels, the silhouette and rear end remain similar to the existing model. 

We have also got our first look at the Compass’ off-road-focussed Trailhawk variant. It gets the same grille, albeit in a black finish that extends down to the bumpers. The iconic red hooks, exclusive to this variant, are retained. It also runs on a different set of alloy wheels.

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The exterior might seem familiar, but the interior is new. It features faux leather that imparts a premium feel. The centre trim is finished in tan, a first for the Compass, but this is likely to be market-specific. Other updates include redesigned climate control knobs, steering wheel, and a new 10.25-inch digital instrument display, but the main highlight, without a doubt, has to be the floating 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Jeep’s Uconnect 5 software.

The Compass’ infotainment system features a connected car suite, like the MG Hector. One can operate select features using their smartphone. Other new features that could be part of the package are ventilated front seats, a branded audio system, and level-2 autonomous driving technology. It could also feature lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and forward collision warning.

While the facelifted Compass utilises FCA’s new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine in overseas markets, the powertrain options in the India-spec model are likely to remain unchanged. The India-spec model comes with a 163PS 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 170PS 2.0-litre diesel engine. A 6-speed manual gearbox is offered as standard. However, the petrol AT variants utilise a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic while the diesel AT features a 9-speed automatic. The diesel engine can also be specced with all-wheel-drive.

Jeep has started testing the facelifted Compass in India and it could be launched here in early 2021. We expect it to command a premium over the current model which is priced from Rs 16.49 lakh to Rs 24.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelifted Compass will rekindle its rivalry with the Volkswagen T-ROC and Skoda Karoq.