After launching their first ever Compass variant with diesel auto last month int he form of Trailhawk, Jeep India has started testing the same combination on another variant of the Compass. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Balaji Kannan, who spotted the new variant recently in Kodaikanal Hills, Tamil Nadu.
As can be seen from the spy photos, the Compass test mule is wearing a Limited and a 4×4 badge. It is to be noted here that Limited 4×4 is already on sale in India, but with a manual 6 speed transmission. The Compass Limited variant features an automatic gearbox, which has been confirmed by the interior photos.
Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 here, features the same engine and gearbox combination which was seen in the recently launched Trailhawk variant. The engine is BS6 compliant, and is mated to a 9 speed auto gearbox. On board the Trailhawk, this engine delivers 171 hp and 350 Nm.
Features on offer with Jeep Compass Limited option are 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, hill hold, Traction control, central lock, engine immobilizer, automatic dual zone AC, rear AC vents, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, start/ stop button, reverse camera, leather seats, power adjustable driver seat, electrically adjustable ORVMs, Panoramic Sunroof, Projector with Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, analog instrument cluster with digital MID, 8.3 inch touchscreen system. It misses out on cruise control, auto dim mirrors on the inside, head-up display. Manufacturer warranty is at 3 year / 1 lakh kms.
Price of Jeep Compass Limited with 4×4, diesel BS4 and 6 MT is Rs 23.11 lakhs, ex-sh. In comparison, price of Trailhawk with diesel BS6, 9 speed auto, 4×4 is Rs 26.8 lakhs for standard and Rs 27.6 lakhs for the optional variant. All prices ex-sh. Expect price of Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 Diesel Auto BS6 to be in the range of Rs 25 lakhs upon launch.
Jeep India is facing decline in sales, thanks to the launch of new rivals in the segment. Which are not only cheaper, but also offer more features. One of them is the newly launched MG Hector, which has been a huge hit. Within a week of launch, booking numbers have crossed 13,000, waiting period has increased up to 7 months. MG Hector production capacity as of now is about 2,000 units a month. It is seeing such huge demand thanks to aggressive pricing, first in class features, most spacious car in segment, 5 year unlimited kms warranty, 5 years free RSA, 5 yrs free labour charge during service, 60 percent buyback guarantee after 3 years, etc.
Another car which is hampering Jeep Compass sales is Tata Harrier, which is currently the best selling car in the segment. In order to boost sales, Jeep India has plans to launch new variants of Compass every few months.
