The India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk was displayed at a dealer meet recently. Expected to appear in showrooms in the coming months, the more rugged Compass already rolls out of FCA’s Ranjangaon facility for other right-hand-drive markets like Japan and Australia.
Positioned as the new top-spec variant in the Compass range, the Trailhawk is powered by the same 173hp 2.0 litre diesel engine as the standard model, which also gets a 163hp 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor. However, the six-speed manual has been replaced with a nine-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all-four wheels. The Compass Trailhawk is expected to be a diesel-only model for our market.
The model’s Trail Rating comes from features like Jeep’s Active Drive Low-range 4WD technology for serious off-roading duties and a new 'Rock mode' for its Selec-Terrain 4WD system. The Trailhawk also sits 20mm higher than its standard counterpart and gets uniquely designed front and rear bumpers, which make for better approach (30 degree) and departure (33.6 degree) angles; its breakover angle stands at 24.4 degree. The SUV also gets hill descent control as standard.
The new top-spec variant also features a bit of show to match its go anywhere capabilities such as new 17-inch alloy wheels, a dual-tone black and silver exterior finish, red recovery hooks, a black-painted anti-glare bonnet decal, underbody skid plates and all-weather floor mats in the cabin.
Bookings for the more rugged SUV have begun unoffiically at dealer level. Jeep dealers are quoting an increase of about Rs 2.5 lakh for the Compass Trailhawk over the standard top-spec model that retails for Rs 21.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
