Jeep Compass Trailhawk Indian launch pegged at H1 2019
IAB learns that FCA India is still looking at the first half of 2019 to release the Compass Trailhawk.
IAB understands that the Jeep Compass Trailhawk will launch with a BSVI-compliant engine. The company plans to offer it with the standard variant's 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine that produces 173 PS and 350 Nm of torque in the current BSIV form. Its engineers are recalibrating this engine to meet the stricter emission norms, taking into account conditions unique to India including fuel quality.
Reports say that FCA will offer the Jeep Compass Trailhawk with the internationally available 9-speed automatic transmission that is already going out from the Ranjangaon-made units to the export markets. However, Indian roads barely require a sophisticated transmission with so many gears. Moreover the SUV will need to have a mandatory speed alert system that will make driving at speeds of more than 120 km/h quite challenging. Then there's the fact that the ZF-made transmission is an expensive affair and the segment demands a vehicle that is priced realistically. It would be interesting to see what Jeep does in this scenario.
The Indian-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk will differ from the internationally available version in such a way that it is able to rationalise the premium it will command in our price-sensitive market. The differences may reflect in the colour-coding and upholstery material such that customers not as interested in buying the SUV for the better off-road capabilities as for the exclusive diesel-AT configuration also find it a good value. The Trailhawk variant is the only hope in the entire Jeep C-SUV range for the Uconnect 8.4 Nav touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation. Premium features like the 7-inch driver information display and heated front seats of the international spec could make way for just a visually differentiated cabin in the interest of keeping the price in check.
The Trailhawk variant will feature the Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system with a 20:1 crawl ratio and low range as well as a five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain Traction Management System. It will have an off-road tuned suspension and unique front and rear fascias that aid for better approach, breakover and departure angles. Expect the car with the dual-tone finish, tow hooks, body graphics and the unique wheels, and some other Indian-specific highlights.
Also Read: Next-gen 2022 Jeep Renegade to retain the current platform
India's most affordable 'Trail Rated' Jeep will cost close to INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom) when it arrives on the market around Q2 2019.