Jeep Compass Trailhawk spotted on test, to arrive in H1 2019

04/12/2018 - 15:51 | ,  ,   | Sagar Parikh

FCA is extensively testing the Jeep Compass Trailhawk on the Indian roads. Today, IAB reader Suraj Suprabhan spotted one of the many test mules plying on our roads ahead of the launch in H1 2019.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Front Three Quarters Spy Sh
The launch of the Trailhawk variant will mark the introduction of an AT in the Jeep Compass diesel.

FCA’s Ranjangaon plant is already producing the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, but only for exports. In India, the company plans to offer it with a BSVI-compliant 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine right from the get-go, and that’s still under development.

The Trailhawk variant delivers Trail Rated 4x4 capability. It comes with the Jeep Active Drive Low full-time 4x4 system with 20:1 crawl ratio, the five-mode Selec-Terrain system with exclusive Rock mode, increased ride height, skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, unique fascias offering a better approach, breakover and departure angles and off-road tyres.

The Trailhawk variant is highly anticipated in India because it will serve not only purists willing to take their Jeep to serious off-roading locations but also prospective customers waiting for an AT option with the diesel engine.

Reports say that like in the international markets, FCA India will pair the 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine in the off-road oriented variant with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 9-speed AT in question is quite expensive for our market, and with speeds limited to 120 km/h nationally, it wouldn’t make much sense offering something with capabilities far exceeding what is required.

IAB understands that the Indian-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk will differ a little from what’s available internationally. Our version may see a higher level of visual differentiators, such as exclusive decals to name one.

Some level of cost-cutting is also expected, maybe with the deletion of expensive and unnecessary features like heated seats and 7-inch full-colour instrument cluster display. As for satellite navigation (unavailable in the standard variant here), it would be disappointing if even the go-anywhere variant doesn’t have that on board.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk Rear Three Quarters Spy Sho
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk may have more visual differentiators aimed at reflecting its exclusivity better than in global markets.

Also See: 2020 Jeep Gladiator debuts at 2018 LA Auto Show, goes on sale in Q2 2019 [Video]

The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will cost close to INR 30 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

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