Jeep is all set to launch the Compass Trailhawk in
India by next month. We were invited for a first-hand experience of the
upcoming 'Trail Rated' SUV, and here are some live images straight from the
test grounds.
The Trailhawk-badged Jeep Compass is the most
hardcore off-road variant in the entire Compass line-up. In terms of exteriors,
it is easily differentiated by the regular Compass with its prominent black
anti-glare hood decal, red recovery hook (rear), skid plates, grey window
surrounds, 'Trail Rated' badging, distinctive 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels
and other unique styling bits which highlight its exclusiveness. The
Indian-spec Trailhawk misses out on the trademark red tow hooks up front
because of the country's latest pedestrian safety norms. It does feature a red
tow hook at the rear-end that can pull as much as 1.5 times the vehicle’s gross
weight.
The other bits which make the
Trailhawk variant the toughest Compass of all include its higher set approach,
ramp breakover and departure angles which are measured at 26.5 degrees, 21.2
degrees and 31.6 degrees, respectively, all thanks to its new bumper (front and
rear) design. Thanks to the repositioned air intakes, the top-spec Compass is
capable of water wading up to 483 mm depth. For reference, the regular Compass'
water wading depth is rated at 330 mm.
Inside, the Trailhawk variant features an 8.4-inch
touchscreen infotainment system with onboard navigation, Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay as well as a 7.0-inch multi-information display. A panoramic sunroof is
optional. Also, the SUV misses out on a powered driver’s seat as well as auto
headlights and wipers (available on Compass Limited Plus). Its safety suite
comprises features like side and curtain airbags, ESC, traction control,
hill-start assist, hill descent control and an electronic parking brake.
Under the hood, the Compass Trailhawk comes with
Jeep's first BS-VI 2.0-litre Multijet II diesel engine which is good enough to
deliver 173 PS of maximum power at 3,750 rpm and 350 Nm of peak torque at
1,750-2,500 rpm. This engine comes mated to a newly introduced 9-speed torque
converter automatic transmission. The Trailhawk variant benefits from an engine
start-stop system as well.
Exclusive off-road-oriented fitments on the Compass
Trailhawk include an Active Drive Low 4x4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio and the
Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with an additional 'Rock' mode. The
top-spec trim also has a higher ground clearance, thanks to its off-road
suspension.
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is expected to be priced
at around INR 28 lakh (ex-showroom).