Test drive review: Jeep Compass Limited Plus

FCA sold over 26,000 Compass in just over 12 months, which is a big feat considering its dismal performance with the Fiat brand. The Compass has brought sails to FCA India’s wings and this gives the Italian marquee not only hope, but an all new platform to explore new avenues. Jeep is already contemplating the Renegade for India along with a Duster rival. But what shall it do to stabilise Compass sales? The answer according to the bosses is – bring in more features which were missing from the original SUV along with subtle improvements. The result you see is the Compass Limited Plus variant, the top of the line trim with a panoramic sunroof, larger touchscreen, auto headlamps and wipers, dual-tone 18-inch rims, electrically operated driver’s seat with memory function, auto-dimming rear view mirrors and two additional airbags. And obviously, all of this comes at a price. Does it deserve your attention as well as your money then?

“The Compass has brought sails to FCA India’s wings and this gives the Italian marquee not only hope, but an all new platform to explore new avenues”

Is the Jeep Compass Limited Plus worth the money?

The Plus variant is available with petrol DCT option, diesel 4×2 and diesel 4×4 option. The goodie bag costs Rs 91,000 over the regular Limited variant. Let’s begin with the most important feature then. The sunroof is really large and easy to operate, with three switches for easy opening as well as closing. There’s a one touch option available too. The large area gives the cabin a new lease of life, making it feel roomier than it actually is. The glass pane can be opened till the end of the first row, which is sufficient enough. Next up is the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen. It functions the same as earlier, albeit with larger viewing area and that is it. However, this equates to easier operation on the move as you don’t end up fiddling with the controls.

On the outside, there isn’t much to differentiate except the larger 18-inch wheels. The Compass is already a good looking SUV and the addition of larger rims makes its even more handsome. A must have for existing owners too, we’d recommend.

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Drives the same?

Yes. We were handed over keys to the 4×4 diesel which comes with the 2-litre Multijet diesel, which is good for 171bhp and 360Nm. There are no mechanical changes whatsoever, and the Compass drives well, as we already know. The engine is responsive with a strong boost in the mid, which nicely surges towards the top end. There is lag, obviously, but once past the 1700rpm mark, the Compass shoots away, which is commendable for a SUV of its size. Ride and handling has always been an USP of the FCA badged cars and the Compass lives up to the expectations. However, we noticed a slight improvement in NVH levels during our two day stint with the Plus variant. The diesel felt more silent than the petrol powered Compass on the inside, which proves Jeep’s inclination towards improving the product. This could be because of the lack of miles on the odometer, and we’ll keep you posted regarding the same in the coming future.

“There is lag, obviously, but once past the 1700rpm mark, the Compass shoots away, which is commendable for a SUV of its size”

Go for it?

The Plus variant, with all its bells and whistles is worth the money if you’re a sucker for a ‘nice’ sunroof and a larger touchscreen. Rest of the package still remains the same. And if you are an off-road aficionado, we suggest you wait for a few months as the Compass Trailhawk is on its way to make it to India. You’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets to get one.