Jeep Compass has become a hot seller in the Indian market. The most affordable model from is attracting many due to multiple reasons. Jeep India is all set to launch a new variant of the SUV and it is known as Trailhawk.
The 2018 Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be the new range-topping variant available on the SUV. The model will be manufactured at FCA’s Ranjangaon facility and is exported to several export markets including Australia, UK and Japan. Upgrades on the Compass Trailhawk include redesigned front and rear bumpers that offer an improved approach and departure angles. You also get new underbody protection with skid plates at either end to protect the engine and the rear differential.
Jeep has already started taking the bookings and here’re things that you should know about the upcoming car.
New Sunroof
The sunroof is something that many Indian prefer in their vehicles. The current range of the Jeep Compass does not offer a sunroof. However, the Trailhawk version will get a panoramic sunroof. Indecently, the Tucson will also get a sunroof soon while the Mahindra XUV 500 already offers it in the Indian market.
Just Diesel Variant
The Trailhawk is available in both petrol and diesel versions in the international markets. However, the Indian version will only get the diesel engine. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder multijet engine produces a maximum of 168 Bhp and 350 Nm. The 1.4-litre petrol engine will remain available with the regular variants of the vehicle. The international model also gets a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
Only Automatic
Even though the Trailhawk will be targeted at the off-roaders, there will be no manual transmission option available with the vehicle. Jeep will only offer a nine-speed automatic transmission that will transfer power to all the four wheels of the SUV. Jeep was expected to launch the diesel 4X4 variant with automatic transmission for the regular variants too but that variant seems to have been replaced with this one.
Rugged Looks
While the overall silhouette of the Compass remains similar to the regular model, subtle changes have been done to set it apart. The upcoming SUV will be much more rugged and will get underbody skid plates. The car will also get the dual-tone shade of silver-black. It is not known if Jeep will also offer other colours in the Indian market. The hood will get anti-glare paint that gives it a raw look.
There are also exposed red coloured recovery tow hooks that make the Trailhawk a very rugged looking SUV. The car also gets different alloy wheels than the regular version but the size remains same. The chrome is now all-metallic grey that adds a sophisticated look to the vehicle.
Sporty Interiors
To match the ruggedness of the exterior, the interior will also get a few updates. To start with, there will be all-weather floor mats in the Trailhawk. These are not as extreme as the Wrangler’s washable interiors but better than the regular variants. The interiors also get an all-black theme with contrasting red stitches giving it a very premium look. The Trailhawk moniker is embroidered in the seats, giving it a premium touch. Many parts like the gear console, speedometer and door panels get a contrasting red theme.
Same Equipments
The Trailhawk will get the same steering wheel, infotainment system, automatic AC, airbags and other features similar to the regular model of the Jeep Compass. The 7-inch UConnect infotainment system gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There will be a dual-zone automatic AC too. Even safety features like 6-airbags remain the same.
Higher Ground Clearance
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk sits 20mm higher than the regular variant. The regular Jeep Compass has a ground clearance of 178mm while the Compass will get 198mm of ground clearance. This increases the approach and departure angle of the vehicle making it much more capable. The Trailhawk gets 30.3 degrees of approach angle and 33.6 degrees of departure angle as against 16.8 degrees and 31.7 degrees of the regular Compass.
Better Performance
The current version of Jeep Compass gets the 4X4 system but crucial features to do hardcore off-roading are missing. Enthusiast-friendly features like Low Ratio transfer case and rock mode make the Compass Trailhawk much more capable. The low range gear makes the crawl ratio to 20:1, which means it throws out most of the power in low RPMs making it extremely capable. It can also wade through deeper water and gets a safe water wading depth of 480mm as against 405mm of the regular Compass. The system also gets rear wheel disconnect that only engages the 4X4 when necessary. The vehicle also gets better, more rugged suspension system that translates into better articulation too.
Jeep India dealers have officially started taking bookings for the Jeep Compass. The bookings can be done at an amount of Rs. 50,000. Jeep is already running quite high on the waiting period of the regular models and the Trailhawk is expected to get the same treatment. The deliveries are expected to start in June/July.
The new variant of the Compass will sit right at the top of the current variants. With added equipment and features, the new Compass will be priced at least Rs. 2.5 lakh more than the current top-end model. The current top-end variant is Limited (O) diesel which is priced at Rs. 26 lakhs, ex-showroom.
