According to a new report from Autos Segredos,
the Jeep Compass seven seater will be a diesel-only model initially. The
upcoming seven seater SUV goes by many names, including Jeep Grand Compass,
Jeep 598 and Jeep Low D 3-row SUV.
The latest development probably applies to
only Brazil. However, given the higher preference for diesel engines in bigger
SUVs in India, FCA may offer the Jeep Compass seven seater in India also with
only a diesel engine. On the other hand, a petrol engine option can allow the
company to make the compact SUV more accessible, which is very important
especially in this segment. So, nothing can be said for sure for our market as
of now.
FCA is developing the so-called Jeep Grand
Compass in Brazil. It will
have a design similar to the new Jeep Compass facelift that will debut at the
end of this year. It will feature a larger rear quarter glass that will be 120
mm away from the end of the D-pillar. As for the changes coming to the 5-seat
C-SUV with the mid-cycle refresh this year, you can refer to our special report
here.
For India, at least the 2.0-litre MultiJet
II diesel engine is a given for the Jeep Compass Grand Compass. It should come
with 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic transmissions. An AWD system option
should be there in select configurations. Whether the 1.4-litre MultiAir petrol
engine is offered or not will depend on the customer preference close to the
launch. The MG Hector Plus and the Tata Gravitas are expected to be offered
with a petrol engine, and FCA will probably be watching them closely before
deciding.
The Jeep Compass seven seater will arrive
in India probably in the second half of 2021. Its prices may start at around
INR 18 lakh (ex-showroom).
