2017 Jeep Compass launched at Rs 14.95 lakh

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has launched the Jeep Compass with prices starting at Rs 14.95 lakh for the base Sport petrol variant, going up to Rs 20.65 lakh for the Limited (O) diesel variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Compass is Jeep’s third model in India and the first one to be locally assembled.

The new Compass gets a choice of two engines – a 162hp, 1.4-litre Multiair petrol and a 173hp, 2.0-litre Multijet II turbo diesel. The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while the petrol gets the option of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Five trims are on offer on the diesel, while the petrol has three trims. Jeep offers a warranty of 3 Years/1 lakh kilometres with all its Compass models.

The top-spec Limited variant also gets a four-wheel-drive system and Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction system. It also gets features such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control and an electronic parking brake.

The aggressive pricing of Jeep's new SUV stems from the urgent requirement to gain a foothold in India. Having found little success with Fiat, and having only high-priced, imported models in its line-up so far, the company is banking on the Compass for a turnaround.

FCA will be making the Compass at the Ranjangaon facility for the domestic market as well as all right-hand-drive markets worldwide. Along with local production, over 65 percent of the Compass' components have been sourced locally.  

The number of dealerships is also rapidly expanding and the company states that it has 50 dealers across the country so far.