Jeep Compass took the premium SUV market by a storm when it was launched in 2017. The demand was such in the initial months, that dealers were quoting waiting period of up to 6 months. Sales during that period, averaged at about 2,500 units a month. But the situation has changed drastically now.
From selling 2,500 units a month, sales of Jeep Compass are down to 1,200 units a month. Q4 2018 sales declined by a massive 57%, when compared to sales registered in Q4 2017. Unfortunately, sales continue to decline in 2019 as well. In Jan 2019, Jeep Compass sales stood at 1,267 units. This when compared to Jan 2018 sales figure of 2,106 units, is a decline of 839 units.
Many Jeep India dealers across India are now offering huge discounts, up to Rs 1.5 lakhs on the Compass. Offers are valid on all variants, petrol and diesel engine options. Base variant discount offers ranges from Rs 40-60k while discount / benefit on top variants ranges from Rs 1-1.5 lakhs. Discount is even offered on the newly launched Black Pack 4X4 (O) variant.
Jeep India dealers are posting details about discounts on social media, advertising the same in newspapers, etc. The biggest discounts are on offer with 2018 variants. These are new cars, but just that they are manufactured in 2018. Discounts are also on offer with 2019 variants, but they are not as huge as those on offer with 2018 variants.
Jeep Compass petrol is powered by a 1.4 liter MultiAir, turbocharged engine which is mated to a 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission. It delivers 160 bhp power and 260 Nm torque. Mileage claimed is 14.3 kmpl. Diesel Compass is powered by a 2.0 liter MultiJet engine, which also powers the Tata Harrier. This engine delivers 170 hp and 350 Nm. It is offered with manual as well as automatic transmission. Mileage claim is 17.1 kmpl. Unlike petrol Compass, diesel variant is also offered as 4×4.
Over the years, Jeep India has launched new variants of Compass in the mid as well as on the top end. This has been done on a regular basis, to keep pushing sales. However, there has been no major effect on sales. And now with new rivals in segment (Harrier already launched, MG Hector coming soon), task of increasing Compass sales gets even more difficult.