Jeep India has decided to expand the Compass SUV line-up by introducing the new standard specification 2WD variant of the Compass diesel-automatic SUV. As of now, the only diesel-AT Compass you can buy is the rather expensive 4x4 variant of the SUV, but with the launch of the standard spec diesel automatic model on 16 September 2023 in India, the Compass diesel automatic will become more affordable. Last week, the Indian arm of the American automobile marque shared a teaser video on Instagram about the SUV 'exclusively engineered for India', which is slated to be unveiled on the said date. The latest version of the Compass will be available in 5 variants – Sport, Longitude, Longitude Plus, Limited, and Model S, as opposed to the currently sold three variants: Sport, Limited (O), and Model S (O). Certain dealers have started accepting unofficial bookings for the new SUV, with deliveries expected by early next month.
Under the hood, the new Compass SUV will continue to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is callibrated to generate 168bhp and 250Nm of peak torque. For handling transmission, the engine will be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox as well as a nine-speed torque converter. According to some industry sources, the entry-spec Sport variant will be offered only with a manual unit, while the latest entrant – Longitude trim – will come with a choice of the 2WD manual as well as the 9-speed automatic gearbox. Upon launch, the Compass Longitude will serve as the new entry-level variant of the Compass AT line-up.
Also Read: Jeep Compass, Meridian Get Huge Discounts of up to Rs 1.40 Lakh in India for September
Jeep Compass SUV: Petrol Engine Variants Discontinued in India
In the Indian market, the Jeep Compass is currently offered as a diesel-only model, with the AT available only with the 4x4 variants. The 1.4-litre turbo-petrol version of the Compass SUV was discontinued by Jeep in May this year, owing to the failure to meet BS6 Phase II compliance. This led to an increase in the price of the Compass SUV, especially for the automatic variants. However, some reports suggest that the company may introduce a new turbo-petrol engine as a replacement option in the future. This motor will likely be a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit that was first used in the 2018 version of the Jeep Renegade.
Alongside petrol variants, the top-of-the-line Compass Trailhawk was also discontinued. Its drivetrain included a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and a 4x4 system, with power and torque figures rated at 168bhp and 350Nm. On offer was a 9-speed automatic transmission borrowed from the Cherokee and other larger Jeep models. The top-spec offered a ground clearance of 205mm, which was more than the standard Compass.
New Jeep Compass SUV: Design & Feature Updates
In addition to the introduction of the 2WD diesel-AT Compass, the new Jeep Compass is also reported to be slightly updated aesthetically with a new grille, redesigned bumpers, and a reworked design for alloy wheels. On the feature front, expect the SUV to pack in a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, leather upholstery, etc. Other bits will include an all-black interior theme, electronic adjustment for front seats, and a powered tailgate. Note that these features shall vary depending on the variant.
Also Read: Jeep Wrangler Surpasses 50 Lakh Global Sales Milestone in 37 Years Since Launch
New Jeep Compass SUV: Price
The new Jeep Compass 2WD automatic diesel could have a price starting upwards of Rs 26 lakh (ex-showroom). All this and more will be revealed on the launch date. Stay tuned!
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