At a starting (startling) price of Rs 14.95 lakh, the Jeep Compass has been launched in the Indian market. The smallest vehicle in the company’s line-up here is also the most aerodynamic. Made at the company’s plant in Ranjangaon, the Compass will also be exported to other markets from India. For those looking to buy one, bookings have been open for quite some time (and FCA has managed to garner 5,000 bookings without even announcing the price), and the deliveries will begin from August 6 onwards.
There are two engine options to choose from: a 2-litre ‘Multijet’ diesel and a 1.4-litre ‘Multi-Air’ turbocharged petrol. AWD is available only on the former, while the petrol comes with an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox, too. A six-speed manual unit is standard on both, and so is Frequency Sensitive Damping-equipped suspension, regardless of the trim level.
You can read more about the Jeep Compass in our First Drive Review here
Talking of which, there are three trim levels (Sport, Longitude, and Limited), and keeping in mind the option packs available, the number of variants rises to 10. The base model is the Sport, which gets dual airbags, 16-inch steel wheels, body-coloured bits, a 5-inch touchscreen system, keyless entry, disc brakes all around, etc. The top-spec Limited trim comes with 17-inch alloys, leather-wrapped steering, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (complete with Android Auto and Apple Car Play), dual-tone roof (optional), etc. And if you choose the 4×4 model, there are a total of six airbags and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system which modifies the vehicle’s driving characteristics depending on the mode.
Delving into technical specifications, the 1956 cc diesel engine makes 170 bhp@3750 rpm and 35.71 kgm@1750-2500 rpm. The 1368 cc petrol-engined model makes 160 bhp and 25.51 kgm. The diesel engined model is said to return an ARAI-certified fuel economy 16.3 kpl for the 4×4 variant and 17.1 kpl for the 4×2.
The company maintains the Jeep Compass will be available at the current 50+ outlets, but by the end of this year, the number is expected to increase to 60. Alongside the launch and price announcement, FCA also confirmed the presence od its global after-sales support brand Mopar. It will be available at all of the 48 authorised service centres across the country.
Prices for the petrol model start at Rs 14.95 lakh while the base diesel is priced at Rs 15.45 lakh. The top-spec model (petrol) is priced at Rs 19.4 lakh, and the diesel one is available for Rs 20.65 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
