EN-Compassed
With an improved BS VI diesel and a new automatic gearbox, the Jeep Compass has moved a full step forward in terms of refinement, the question is whether it justifies the premium!
Last year, Jeep launched the off-road oriented Compass Trailhawk, loaded with a diesel motor and an automatic gearbox. A combination crucial to upping the value proposition of Jeep’s most successful product in India yet. Since then it was only a matter of time before Jeep brought the combination to standard versions of the Compass. Splashed on these pages is it, now with some inevitable tweaks, a BS VI compliant motor and a 9-Speed automatic. Ofcourse, as dates for new government norms draw in one would expect Jeep to roll out more BS VI compliant versions of the Compass, although it seems like this new motor-gearbox combination might be the most significant.
The Jeep Compass Diesel Automatic will be made available in two trims, a base Longitude version that gets 4-airbags, a 7.0-inch touch screen, dual zone climate control, auto startstop and cruise control and this top of the line Limited Plus that we tested gets all of the above in addition to a powered driver’s seat with a memory function, auto headlamps and wipers, leather seats, 6-airbags and a larger 8.4 inch touch-screen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto. The Limited Plus also gets 18-inch wheels and these fab chrome on black alloys that look absolutely smashing on the go.
Thumb the starter, even on a cold start, and immediately, the Compass feels more refined and almost uncharacteristically quiet. Those familiar with the FCA 2.0 litre, that has traditionally been one of those very “trucky’ sounding diesels, will be impressed with the NVH contrast between the BS IV and BS VI motors. Fuelling has been changed too, in favour of the lower range, although the power and torque figures stay at a healthy 173bhp and 350Nm. This new fueling pairs wonderfully with the new 9-speed auto, as a result the Compass feels more urgent and kick-downs are considerably quicker. Concurrently Jeep have also ironed out that explosive mid-range, the push-back into your seat everytime the turbo spools up
has decreased, taking away a little from the Compass’ “feeling” of Brute force. Personally, I quite like it, and I prefer the more linear map, it’s both smoother and quicker!
In terms of ride and handling, the Compass continues to be one of the best handlers in it’s segment. It’s planted at triple digits highway speeds and the dampers have a good compression damping ratio that is capable of running smoothly over bad roads and potholes, but, also keep the Compass stable if a dab of spirited cornering is on the menu. Although in the interest of full disclosure, the chonkier 18-inch wheels (225/55 R18s) on the Limited Plus add to the appeal but do take away from the low-speed ride quality a bit compared to the 17s.
The Jeep Compass has always been a strong product, it’s success in the value conscious is testament to the fact. In this BS6 avatar with the 9-speed auto the Jeep makes an even stronger case for itself. It’s a wellbuilt, sturdy premium feeling SUV that lives up to the Jeep branding on the hood, presenting itself as a strong all-round package. At Rs 21.96 lakh for the Longitude trim, and 24.99 lakh for the Limited Plus the Compass is quite a pocket pinch for a compact SUV, this new diesel auto makes a case for itself that is hard to ignore.
THIS NEW DIESEL AUTO MAKES A CASE
FOR ITSELF THAT IS HARD TO IGNORE DESPITE THE POCKET PINCH