Jeep Compass To Be Manufactured In India; Launch In 2017

Reaffirming its positioning as a truly global SUV, the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass will be manufactured across four international hubs, including India, for 100-plus countries across the world. 

A truly global all-new compact SUV, the 2017 Jeep Compass will be manufactured in India, China, Brazil and Mexico, for consumers in more than 100 countries around the world, informed a press release from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that owns Jeep’s India arm.

The Compass SUV will be manufactured at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility, located close to Pune, and is expected to be rolled out in India by August 2017.  “Built around the world for customers everywhere, Jeep Compass raises the bar in the compact-SUV segment,” said Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global, Mike Manley. 

“Our all-new 2017 Jeep Compass enters an extremely important and growing segment worldwide, and does so with an unmatched list of attributes that includes benchmark 4x4 off-road capability, exceptional on-road driving dynamics, fuel-efficient powertrains, countless advanced technology and safety features, all wrapped in a premium, authentic Jeep design,” he added.

India had rolled out the red carpet for American SUV maker, Jeep earlier this year. The least expensive of the lot, the Wrangler, still came with a price tag north of the Rs 70 lakh mark though! But the manufacturer promised more affordable products in markets like India and the news of the Compass being manufactured in India will be music to the ears of potential buyers.

The Compass will come with an array of 17 powertrain combinations across different markets worldwide. The release confirmed that India will get a petrol and a diesel powertrain in manual and automatic transmission options. While the petrol could be propelled by the 1.4-litre Multi Air turbo, the diesel is expected to be powered by the Multijet II 2.0-litre turbo powerplant. Power will be transmitted either through the 6-speed manual or the 9-speed automatic transmissions. Jeep will not offer a 2WD in the Compass, but there are two different AWD options.  

Other talking points include the unique LED headlamps on a trademark Jeep design and interiors that offer features like a 3.5- or 7-inch LED driver information display (DID) instrument cluster. Safety has also been given utmost importance as the Jeep Compass will offer more than 70 active and passive safety and security features across global markets, according to the press release.

Now that the Compass will be manufactured locally, expect Jeep to be on the offensive with its pricing. At around the Rs 18-20 lakh mark, the SUV will fight for bragging rights with the Hyundai Tucson and the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq. And with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan not too far away, the competition in this segment could really heat up.

Also read:  Jeep Compass: First Drive Review