FCA has unveiled the production shots of its compact SUV, the Compass which is expected to be launched in India in 2017. Having inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Goiana, Pernambuco, Brazil; FCA revealed the front and rear shots of the upcoming SUV.
Jeep recently made its debut in India and shocked the Indian customers with the steep prices. Although, both the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler have been brought onto our shores as CBUs, the Compass will be manufactured locally, giving it the price advantage. We expect it to be priced between Rs 13-18 lakh, when it arrives next year, giving the likes of Creta, Duster and XUV500 a hard time. Jeep’s plan to promote itself as a premium brand (read premium pricing) might even pay-off then.
Looking at the images, the Compass looks like a mini-Grand Cherokee when viewed from the front and rear angle. The prominent toothed grille makes its way into this compact SUV a la, Grand Chreokee. Even the rear flanks have been carried over with rakish tail lights that look similar to its elder sibling. The large gap between the wheel and the squared-up arches gives it a ‘proper-SUV’ look. The Compass is also expected to come with an all-wheel drive option, staying true to Jeep’s traditions. FCA says that the Compass will be sold with 17 powertrains globally. In India, we expect the Compass to be powered by the 1.6-litre diesel that’s been doing duty on the S-Cross along with the 1.4-litre T-Jet petrol, which is available in multiple tunes of output.
Further details of the Compass will be revealed in November, when Jeep puts it on display at the Los Angeles Motor Show.