Review: The 1.4-litre petrol-powered Jeep Compass is an impressive machine

The icing on the cake has to be the pricing, which starts at `15 lakh.
Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass

Thanks to the slick 7-speed automatic gearbox that it comes with, the Jeep Compass is rather convenient to drive. Add its quintessential good looks to the mix and you have an SUV that does just about everything right and hits at the formula of being the ultimate urban set of wheels that leaves a big impression.

Quality control
There is no denying the fact that this car is one good-looking SUV. It has the right proportions coupled with signature Jeep design elements like the seven-slot grille and the trapezoidal wheel arches. The sporty stance and butch looks give it a flair that makes it stand out from the rest of the urban machines in the market.
The cabin boasts of the same quality build and the fit-and-finish is commendable. You get a host of creature comforts that include a neat touchscreen infotainment system coupled with a high-end audio system, a powerful air conditioner, and steering mounted controls. There is ample room on board for passengers both up front and on the rear bench, plus the boot offers enough room to pack away quite a bit of luggage.

Built to last
The vehicle gets a Fiat-sourced engine which is capable of delivering 163 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line limited variant gets a 7-speed DDCT transmission which seamlessly shifts through the gears and adds to the overall aura of refinement that that petrol model offers. While you don’t get paddle shifts, the transmission does allow for a ‘manual’ feel where you can select the gears by nudging the gear lever up and down. As for the fuel efficiency, the Compass offers an ARAI-certified mileage of 16 kmpl.

Behind the wheel
The 1.4 AT car performs effortlessly and is quick enough to give you a rush! Being a pure front-wheel drive, as there is no 4x4 option on the petrol models currently,  this automobile does have a bit of torque steer that is more pronounced when you floor the gas pedal. Apart from that, it does offer a decent ride quality and stays planted to the road even at high speeds. 

Final verdict
Overall, it is very difficult to find fault with the Jeep Compass. It has been designed to impress, the interior fit and finish is decent and you get a serious amount of creature comforts on board as well. Add to that, the American carmaker has ensured that the Compass packs enough in terms of safety features. The icing on the cake has to be the pricing which starts at `15 lakh.

Details: jeep-india.com

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