Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is not only made in India but it also comes across as an SUV that’s made for India. Tough, capable and built to last, the Compass feels like a proper Jeep. The standard Compass is available in petrol-manual, petrol-auto and diesel-manual forms, the last of which can be had with all-wheel drive as well. The diesel-auto combo is so far exclusive to the Compass Trailhawk that also happens to be the most off-road capable version of the SUV on sale. The Compass is set to make the move to BS6-compliant engines in the coming months.

The Jeep Compass is not only made in India but it also comes across as an SUV that’s made for India. Tough, capable a...

The Jeep Compass is not only made in India but it also comes across as an SUV that’s made for India. Tough, capable and built to last, the Compass feels like a proper Jeep. The standard Compass is available in petrol-manual, petrol-auto and diesel-manual forms, the last of which can be had with all-wheel drive as well. The diesel-auto combo is so far exclusive to the Compass Trailhawk that also happens to be the most off-road capable version of the SUV on sale. The Compass is set to make the move to BS6-compliant engines in the coming months.

The Jeep Compass is attractive and because it doesn’t sit all that high off the ground, it’s relatively easy to get into and out of. The Compass’ cabin offers reasonable but not abundant room for five passengers. The dash isn’t remarkable in design but fit-finish is good and everything feels tightly screwed together. The cabins of top-spec variants, with their larger touchscreens and sunroofs, do feel more special.
The Jeep Compass’ 163hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy in the mid-range but feels weak at town speeds and isn’t particularly fuel efficient. And the petrol-auto’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto isn’t the slickest of the type. Standard Compass’ with the 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine are far more likeable. The engine is strong, there’s ample power on hand and even the 6-speed manual gearbox is great to use. Unfortunately, a snappy clutch and gruff engine note are part of the package too. Interestingly, the BS6-compliant version of the engine that powers the Trailhawk is far more refined and also produces its power in a gentler manner. The Trailhawk's 9-speed automatic gearbox isn't the quickest on the draw but shifts smoothly.
The Jeep Compass is superbly setup. Standard Compass' ride with a hint of firmness at all times but bump absorption and high-speed stability are first rate. What’s more, the Compass is also a fairly keen handler. All-wheel drive versions are also capable off-road. However, off-road junkies will find the best match in the low range-equipped Trailhawk that is simply brilliant in the rough. As an added plus, the Trailhawk also has a pliant low-speed ride.

The Jeep Compass is attractive and because it doesn’t sit all that high off the ground, it’s relatively easy to get i...

The Jeep Compass is attractive and because it doesn’t sit all that high off the ground, it’s relatively easy to get into and out of. The Compass’ cabin offers reasonable but not abundant room for five passengers. The dash isn’t remarkable in design but fit-finish is good and everything feels tightly screwed together. The cabins of top-spec variants, with their larger touchscreens and sunroofs, do feel more special.
The Jeep Compass’ 163hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine is punchy in the mid-range but feels weak at town speeds and isn’t particularly fuel efficient. And the petrol-auto’s seven-speed dual-clutch auto isn’t the slickest of the type. Standard Compass’ with the 173hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine are far more likeable. The engine is strong, there’s ample power on hand and even the 6-speed manual gearbox is great to use. Unfortunately, a snappy clutch and gruff engine note are part of the package too. Interestingly, the BS6-compliant version of the engine that powers the Trailhawk is far more refined and also produces its power in a gentler manner. The Trailhawk's 9-speed automatic gearbox isn't the quickest on the draw but shifts smoothly.
The Jeep Compass is superbly setup. Standard Compass' ride with a hint of firmness at all times but bump absorption and high-speed stability are first rate. What’s more, the Compass is also a fairly keen handler. All-wheel drive versions are also capable off-road. However, off-road junkies will find the best match in the low range-equipped Trailhawk that is simply brilliant in the rough. As an added plus, the Trailhawk also has a pliant low-speed ride.

The Trailhawk is the most rounded version of the Compass and brings together a pleasant diesel engine, convenient automatic transmission and serious off-road ability. Sadly, the Trailhawk also comes at a price and will be too much of a stretch for most buyers. Of the standard Compass range, we’d pass on the thirsty petrols and opt for the diesel-manual in front-wheel drive form. The Compass 4x4 only makes sense for buyers with genuine off-road requirements. Of the trims, we’d recommend you go the whole hog and buy the Limited Plus that gets all the goodies you’d expect on an SUV of this class including a panoramic sunroof and large touchscreen.

The Trailhawk is the most rounded version of the Compass and brings together a pleasant diesel engine, convenient aut...

The Trailhawk is the most rounded version of the Compass and brings together a pleasant diesel engine, convenient automatic transmission and serious off-road ability. Sadly, the Trailhawk also comes at a price and will be too much of a stretch for most buyers. Of the standard Compass range, we’d pass on the thirsty petrols and opt for the diesel-manual in front-wheel drive form. The Compass 4x4 only makes sense for buyers with genuine off-road requirements. Of the trims, we’d recommend you go the whole hog and buy the Limited Plus that gets all the goodies you’d expect on an SUV of this class including a panoramic sunroof and large touchscreen.