Jeep Compass Trailhawk India launch pushed to end-2018

Off-road enthusiasts hoping to get delivery of their Jeep Compass Trailhawk in time for this year’s monsoon season are in for some disappointment. The Compass Trailhawk’s launch has been pushed back by a few months with the model expected to go on sale only at the tail end of 2018, or even early 2019. Jeep dealers have confirmed the news.

Jeep is learnt to be in the process of calibrating its engines for India to meet the Bharat Stage VI emission norms that come into effect in 2020 and it is possible the delay is on account of the upgrades. Notably, the Jeep Compass Trailhawk is likely to debut the diesel-automatic engine-gearbox option on the model in India. The Trailhawk will be powered by the same 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine as the standard Compass diesel manual but could differ in its gearbox; a nine-speed automatic unit in this case.

While the nine-speed automatic transmission could eventually be offered on standard versions of the Compass diesel as well, the Trailhawk will distinguish itself with its enhanced off-road ability. The Compass Trailhawk will get four-wheel drive with low range with an additional 'Rock’ mode for the Selec-Terrain 4WD mode selector. The Trailhawk also sits 20mm higher than its standard counterpart and gets uniquely designed front and rear bumpers, which result in better approach (30 degree) and departure (33.6 degree) angles; its breakover angle stands at 24.4 degree.

Ride height aside, the Compass Trailhawk will also be distinguishable by its unique detailing including a bespoke design for its alloy wheels, red recovery hooks, a black anti-glare bonnet decal and skid plates. The range-topping Trailhawk is expected to be priced at a Rs 2.5 lakh premium over the current top-spec diesel Compass which would mean a price in the Rs 24.5-25 lakh range.   

A more feature-rich version of the standard Compass is also said to be on the cards. Added features are likely to include a sunroof, a powered driver’s seat and a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.