American SUV maker, Jeep had launched the locally developed 2018 Jeep Compass SUV in the Indian market in July 2017. It is currently the most affordable Jeep model in the country. The SUV has been receiving an excellent response from car buyers. It currently commands a waiting period of around 3-5 months. The Compass carline is available in three trim levels – Sport, Longitude and Limited. It is being offered with two engines – a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre Multijet II turbocharged oil burner. Transmission options include standard 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed DCT unit. The range-topping model is available with an optional 4×4 drivetrain with a Select-Terrain system that offers four driving modes – Auto, Snow, Mud and Sand. FCA claims that the Jeep Compass is equipped with 50 active and passive safety features, 30 premium features and 20 pioneering tech. Read More – Jeep Renegade Is Coming To India
Latest News
– FCA has started deliveries of the Compass petrol automatic in the country. As a reminder, Jeep initially started deliveries of the diesel variants. Now, the petrol model has reached dealerships for testing and customer previews. Continue reading…
– The American auto giant will launch the rugged and muscular version of the Compass SUV in India in 2018. Called Compass Trailhawk, the SUV is likely to be unveiled at the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo in February. Continue reading…
2018 Jeep Compass Key Features
– 5.0 and 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
– Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
– Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps
– Dual-tone roof-top
– Jeep’s Select terrain management system
– Six airbags
– Traction control
– Keyless entry with push buttons start-stop
– Rear parking sensors
– Multi-functional steering wheel Read More About – Jeep Grand Cherokee & Cherokee SRT
2018 Jeep Compass Price in India
Thanks to heavy localisation and lowered tax regime on larger cars and SUVs, Jeep has managed to price the Compass SUV aggressively in the market. The Jeep Compass prices start from Rs 15.16 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the fully-loaded top-spec petrol variant. Diesel power Compass on the flip side is priced between Rs 15.99 lakh and Rs 21.37 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The company claims that the SUV has over 65 per cent local components, which helps Jeep to achieve competitive pricing for its most affordable SUV in India. That said, this newly launched Compass undercuts rivals by a substantial margin, giving it cusp over competition. At this price point, the made-in-India Jeep Compass could eat into the sales of Mahindra XUV500, Hyundai Creta (top-spec variant) and the likes. Read – Jeep 526 Compact SUV To Challenge Ford EcoSport
2018 Jeep Compass Image Gallery
2018 Jeep Compass Exterior
The Compass is built on the new Small Wide platform that also underpins the global Fiat 500X crossover and India-bound Jeep Renegade. It takes plethora of design cues from Grand Cherokee. Up front, the SUV gets seven-slat chrome finished grille along with projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs. The wide bumper, skid plates and mesh design for air-inlets inject aggression to the face. Sides of the SUV come equipped with square-like wheel arches wrapped with Grand Cherokee resembling alloy wheels. A prominent belt-line runs across the length of the SUV and meets with the taillamps. The chrome lining on the upper window frame extends to the rear windscreen. The plastic body cladding cannot be missed on the side which goes all the way to the back.
The rear profile has also been crafted tastefully, complementing the other facets. Some of the bits at the back are reminiscent of the Grand Cherokee such as the wrap-around taillamp units and roof-mounted spoiler. The small rear windscreen and a large bumper complete the overall look.
Dimensions
| Length | 4447mm |
| Width | 1813mm |
| Height | 1651mm |
| Wheelbase | 2634mm |
| Ground Clearance | 178mm |
| Turning Radius | 452mm |
Sits above 4 meters in length, Compass gets boastful proportions. It measures 4,447mm in length, 1,813mm in width and 1,651mm in height. The vehicle comes with a large wheelbase of 2,634mm, which turns into a spacious cabin. It has a ground clearance of 178mm and has a turning radius of 452mm.
2018 Jeep Compass Interior
The cabin of the Compass SUV is wrapped in light grey and black dual tone colour scheme. The design of the dashboard is a bit dull and the hard-shiny plastic is a bit of a put off. It also gets piano black surrounds around the air con vents which are again not so classy. While the padded door pads and the leather wrapped steering wheel comes for the vehicle’s rescue. To carve more space on the inside, Jeep has modified the Renegade underpinnings. One must note that Compass is available in single 5-seat layout unlike rivals in the segment that offer space to accommodate two additional occupants. The seats are soft & comfortable, but they get light ‘Snow-white’ upholstery which seems a tad hard to maintain, considering the dust laden Indian roads.
In terms of comfort, the seats are snug, with comfortable leg room and shoulder space for the occupants. At the back, the bench offers good thigh support to the occupants. The entry level Sport & Longitude variants in the carline get a 5.0-inch infotainment U-Connect system, whereas the 7.0-inch system with smartphone connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered from Longitude (O) onwards.
2018 Jeep Compass Mileage
| Petrol | 12-14kmpl |
| Diesel | 17.1kmpl (4×2) & 16.3kmpl (4×4) |
The Compass carline is being offered with two engines – a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre MJD II diesel. These engines are claimed to offer decent fuel economy. While the 2WD diesel variant delivers an impressive fuel efficiency of 17.1kmpl, the all-wheel-drive version of the SUV delivers 16.3kmpl. The company hasn’t revealed the mileage of petrol version and if estimates are taken into consideration, the petrol unit will return around 12-14kmpl.
2018 Jeep Compass India Specifications
| Engine | 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir Petrol |
| Max Power | 162bhp |
| Max Torque | 250Nm |
| Engine | 2.0-litre Multijet II Diesel |
| Max Power | 170bhp @ 3,750rpm |
| Max Torque | 350Nm @ 1,750rpm – 2,500rpm |
The Jeep Compass is available with two engine options – a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre Multi-Jet II diesel – which has been borrowed from the upcoming Renegade SUV. The diesel version churns out a maximum power output of 170bhp at 3,750rpm along with a peak torque of 350Nm between 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm. In fact, this engine will also be used by Tata Motors for its upcoming premium SUVs being developed under the codename Q501 and Q502. Maruti will also source this capable diesel engine to power its upcoming 7-seater premium SUV.
On the flip side, the 1.4-litre turbocharged Multi-Air petrol engine dishes out 162bhp of power and 250Nm of top torque. For transmission duties, the SUV gets a standard 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox on select petrol variants. The American automaker will also introduce a 9-speed automatic gearbox on the diesel unit at a later stage.
The Compass diesel also gets an option between 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. The all-wheel-drive version also comes with a Select Terrain system with four driving modes – Auto, Snow, Mud and Sand. These driving modes can alter the drive dynamics and power delivery of the SUV. The Snow, Sand and Mud modes have been pre-programmed to tune the AWD system, stability control and steering precision etc as per the driving conditions. Another interesting feature on the 2017 Jeep Compass enables to automatically disconnect the rear axle at various cruising speeds along with slight increase in the fuel economy.
2018 Jeep Compass Comfort
While Compass offers comfortable seats with ample legroom and shoulder space, it gets plethora of comfort goodies including power operated and folding outside rear view mirrors, SelecTerrain 4WD system, keyless entry go with push start-stop, dual zone climate control etc. While it misses out on features such as cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, sunroof and auto-dimming mirror.
2018 Jeep Compass Practicality
As mentioned above, there is ample space inside which makes the cabin practical. While there’s enough shoulder and leg room for occupants, the storage space on the centre console is cramped. It additionally gets bottle holders, cup holders, glove box and rear parcel tray etc.Read More – Jeep Compass Vs Mahindra XUV500
2018 Jeep Compass Colours
Jeep’s cheapest SUV in India, Compass, is launched in five colour options including Minimal Grey, Vocal White, Exotica Red, Brilliant Black and Hydro Blue.
Jeep Compass Boot Space
The 5-seat Compass SUV offers decent space for storing luggage. That said, the model gets 410-litre of luggage compartment that can further be expanded courtesy the 60:40 split rear seat.
Competition
The most affordable SUV from Jeep in India debuts in the premium SUV space and go up against models including Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Considering that it carries an aggressive pricing courtesy 80% localisation, it will have other models like Hyundai Tucson into its radar. With rugged looks, efficient engines and plethora of features on offer, the model has a cusp over rivals in the segment. You May Also Like – Jeep Compass Vs VW Tiguan | Jeep Compass Vs Fortuner | Jeep Compass Vs Hyundai Tucson
2018 Jeep Compass Safety & Braking
As mentioned in the beginning, the Compass SUV comes equipped with 50 active and passive safety & security features. The standard features on the line-up include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, stability and traction control, four-wheel disc brakes and electric parking brake. In addition, it also come with rear parking sensors, rear camera and HID headlamps. One must note that the side & curtain airbags as well as rear camera are offered only on the Limited and Limited (O) variants.
Should You Buy It?
Aside from its rugged looks, feature packed cabin and comfortable interior, the Compass gets Jeep’s off-roading DNA. Where it scores well is the performance, something Jeep brand is globally known for. Jeep’s first made-in-India SUV with over 65% localisation, is likely to be priced competitively and this could very well work in its favour. Overall, Jeep Compass seems like a complete package with comfortable space inside and a raft of features.
2018 Jeep Compass View Review
