The long-awaited diesel-automatic Jeep Compass will be arriving in showrooms quite soon. When it does, it will be available in a mid-spec Longitude and a range-topping Limited Plus variant, prices for which are expected to be in the Rs 22-24 lakh region. Select Jeep dealers have begun accepting bookings for the Compass diesel-auto, ahead of its launch in the coming weeks.
As we’ve been reporting, the engine-gearbox combination is the same BS6-compliant, 173hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 9-speed torque convertor automatic unit that made its debut in India with the Compass Trailhawk. Both diesel-auto variants will come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain Active Drive all-wheel drive system. To know how the range-topping Compass Limited Plus diesel-automatic 4x4 performed, click here to read our review.
To further differentiate between the diesel-manual and automatic versions of the Compass Longitude and justify the expected Rs 4 lakh premium for the automatic over the BS4-compliant manual model (Rs 18.03 lakh), Jeep has also added some features. The table below has the details:
| Jeep Compass Longitude features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Manual | Automatic |
| Quad halogen headlights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime running lights | Yes | Yes |
| 17-inch alloys | Yes | Yes |
| Driver’s seat height adjust | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 split-folding rear seats | Yes | Yes |
| Infotainment system | 5.0-inch | 7.0-inch |
| Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | No/No | Yes/Yes |
| Speakers | 6 | 6 |
| Keyless entry and go | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-zone climate control | No | Yes |
| Cruise control | No | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | No | Yes |
However, in terms of safety kit, the manual and automatic Compass Longitude are identical – both get dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control and electronic stability control, hill-start assist, Isofix child seat mounts, rear fog lamps, a rear defogger and wiper and an electronic parking brake.
When it comes to the Limited Plus, both, the manual and the automatic are identical in terms of equipment as six airbags, a dual-pane sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, Jeep’s 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, automatic headlights and wipers and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat are standard.
The Compass is a somewhat unique offering as its size, off-road capability and price point put it on the higher side of the midsize SUV segment (with contenders like the Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Tata Harrier and Hyundai Creta) but undercutting the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
As more details will emerge closer to the launch of the Jeep Compass diesel-automatic, watch this space.
All prices, ex-showroom, Delhi
Do you think the Compass diesel-automatic is priced competitively? Let us know in the comments below.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
