Nearly two years after the Jeep Compass was launched in India, a diesel-AT combo was introduced, in June this year. However, it's currently exclusive to the SUV's off-road-oriented Trailhawk variant, which is much more expensive. According to a new report, FCA plans to introduce this combination in the standard variant as well, before Diwali this year.
The report suggests that the diesel-AT combination will only be introduced in the lower-spec and mid-spec equipment lines of the Jeep Compass. If FCA were to offer this combination in the range-topping Limited Plus equipment line of the standard variant, the price might get very close to that of the Trailhawk variant. This, obviously, would take a toll on the sales of the Trailhawk variant.
To keep the diesel-AT combination in the Jeep Compass as affordable as possible, FCA will likely offer it in only FWD drivetrain layout. Another way of looking at this move, of course, will be that the company is trying to compel customers seeking a 4x4 system as well to upgrade their choice to the pricey, Trailhawk variant. The diesel-AT combination in question is the BS-VI 2.0-litre MultiJet II diesel engine that produces 170 HP and 350 Nm of torque coupled to a 9-speed torque converter.
The introduction of the diesel-AT combination in the regular Jeep Compass will mean that FCA will be able to drive in more customers of the Mahindra XUV500 (Rs 15.32-18.45 lakh*) and the Hyundai Tucson (Rs 23.62-26.95 lakh*) to its showrooms.
Also Read: Jeep Wrangler JL to be available in India in Moab Edition as well
Very soon, likely sometime next month, FCA will launch the fourth generation Jeep Wrangler range in India.
*Diesel-automatic configurations' price range, ex-showroom Delhi.
[Source - Autocar India]
