Jeep has released a preview video of the India-specific Compass SUV ahead of its official debut in the country on April 12. The Compass, when launched, will be the first locally assembled product from the American SUV maker and will join the likes of the more expensive CBU-based models like the Wrangler and Cherokee.
The product video reveals that the India model will have the same design cues as the global vehicle. This includes the recognisable slatted Jeep grille, wedge-shaped head lamps and of course that mini-Cherokee like silhouette. There is no information on variants as yet, but we know that it will be offered with petrol, diesel engines and with both automatic and manual transmission options. The diesel is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit while the petrol is expected to be the 2.0-litre Multiair unit.
Standard features across the range are expected to include climate control, leather upholstery, and touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs and driver’s seat. In the video, the automaker says the car has been fitted with over 50 safety features and of this we can be sure of multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control as well a stability control programme.
The Compass is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 18 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This puts it in competition with the likes of the D-segment SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour as well as the sedans like the Skoda Superb. The Compass will not have a third row, but is expected to hold its own against the competition by offering a large list of features, 4X4 options and of course, there’s always the aspirational value of owning a Jeep-branded vehicle. Parent company Fiat has already said that the vehicle will have a heavy amount of localisation and be produced at Ranjangaon for domestic as well as export markets.
