Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is offered with two engines: a 1.4L Turbo Petrol and a 2.0L Turbo Diesel.

The 1.4L Turbo Petrol engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. The 2.0L Turbo Diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 9-speed TC automatic transmission.

The 1.4L Turbo Petrol engine produces 160PS@ 5500rpm and 250Nm at 4000rpm. The Jeep Compass's 2.0L engine produces 170PS at 3750rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2500rpm.

Mechanically, the Compass hasn't altered much, and it's still one of the best-driving SUVs on the market. The petrol engine is a fairly smooth unit that provides enough performance under most operating situations. While the low-end grunt is a little boring, the mid-range performance is excellent regardless of the transmission in use.

The diesel, on the other hand, is the best of the bunch. The tried and tested 2.0-litre MultiJet engine is a jewel that impresses with its superb torque distribution and fuel efficiency. It's also one of the most refined engines in this class.

The redesigned nose is the main talking point up front. The bigger air dam draws your attention right away, as does the uniquely oriented Jeep grille.

Interestingly, the nose is chrome-free, with even the Jeep emblem and seven-slat grille finished in this anodized gun-metal grey; and it looks fantastic.

There are also these fake inserts in the grille that allow no air to get through (the genuine intakes are lower down), as well as a new set of white fogs plunged deep into the depths of the bumper.

The new LED headlights, which add some much-needed glitter to the nose, further enhance the appearance.

A camera in the nose is also new up front; this one is utilised for the 360-degree parking help.

Around the sides, you'll notice new diamond-cut alloy wheels in those massive, aggressive, and square wheel arches, as well as a contrast roof in an intriguing shade of grey. While the appearance hasn't altered much, the Compass still features near-perfect proportions and posture.

Only the taillights are new at the back, and while the boot size isn't huge, there are a few unique features. A new subwoofer is put in the boot, and while the closing button is curiously situated within the boot, the tailgate now has an electronic shut feature.

The largest difference, though, is seen within the cabin. While the Compass was formerly robust, made of long-lasting parts, and solidly built, the overarching concept today is refinement, high spec, and luxury.

Except for the seats, everything inside is brand new. A new dash, door pads, a large new touchscreen, a new digital instrument panel, new steering, and even a new centre console are included.

There's leather and double-stitching all the way across the multi-layered dash, some synthetic leather on top, and a couple of chrome bars cut right through to the other side in the middle.

In fact, unlike the exterior, there is lots of chrome on the dash. There's some around the gear lever, some around the steering wheel, and a beautiful, beveled framing surrounding the touchscreen.

Jeep has also cleverly combined high-quality chrome with a lot of piano black. It contrasts wonderfully with the bling, and the quality of the switches and buttons is excellent.

The new 10.1-inch U-Connect touchscreen, on the other hand, is central to the attraction of the redesigned interior. It's just enormous and has a truly tablet-like feel about it.

The screen is also of very high quality, being brighter, sharper, quicker, with a touch phone-like resolution, and filled with capabilities. There's linked technology, a slew of functions available through the Jeep Life app, things like online software upgrades for customers, wireless Apple CarPlay, and perks like cooled seats.

While the seats are comparable to those on the previous Compass, and the comfort and flexibility are excellent, these new ones are also motorised, have seat memory, and are cooled. As a result, both the driver and the passenger are now more at ease.

There's also plenty of room in the Compass's back seat. There's lots of legroom, plenty of shoulder room, and even plenty of headroom. What's also particularly nice is that the long squab or seat base is really supportive, you're seated at a bit of a height (theatre seating), and the rear vents now have a sleek piano black finish.

However, some of the Compass's competitors are broader in the rear and so more suited to seating three abreast.

With more than 60 active and passive safety features, including six airbags, rain brake assistance, hill hold and descent control, electronic roll mitigation, and brake lock differential, among others, the Compass also receives top marks for safety. The Compass's connected car features include driver analytics, geofencing, stolen vehicle assistance, location-based services, vehicle data, and stolen vehicle assistance.

While the BS6 diesel is a little gravelly at low engine speeds and lacks the first burst of power, when you put your foot down, there is a smooth and linear build-up of acceleration that feels incredible.

Furthermore, unlike other diesels, pushing this engine hard pays you handsomely. It is loud at high engine speeds, as it revs to 5,000rpm, but it is also speedy; 0-100kph takes just 10.3sec, which is impressive for such a large SUV.

The gearbox is also somewhat quicker to shift. However, it is still a little too comfortable, especially when doing a rapid downshift, and there are no paddles behind the steering wheel.

The greatest part, though, is that the Compass is still a delight to drive. It's light and simple to drive at moderate speeds, but take it around a few turns and you'll be amazed at how poised and confident it feels.

The Jeep Compass includes over 60 safety and security features that protect both front and rear occupants while driving. Because of these contemporary safety mechanisms that work in tandem, the Compass is among the safest in its class.

The Jeep Compass includes six airbags to protect its passengers: front passenger, driver, full-length side curtains for front and rear passengers, seat-mounted side airbags, and driver single-stage airbags.

It also boasts a 360-degree Parkview rear backup camera with dynamic gridlines, All-Season Tires for improved grip and a comfortable driving experience, Auto Hold Assist, Electronic Stability Control, and an electronic parking brake.

The car also has a tyre pressure monitoring system, which makes driving more pleasant by displaying tyre pressure on the digital cockpit.

The Jeep Compass, which is manufactured in India, got the maximum five stars in the Australian NCAP crash test. The aforementioned automobile was imported from India.

Because the same automobile is available in India, even one designed particularly for that nation should give a comparable level of safety.

Jeep's new 2021 Compass costs between Rs 21.02 and Rs 32.67 lakh (ex-showroom, India, except Kerala). This is notably true with the fully-loaded top-spec Model S variant, which comes with all the bells and whistles yet costs approximately a lakh more than typically pricey competitors like the Hyundai Tucson.

Furthermore, it isn't as spacious on the interior as other rivals, and the 9-speed automatic transmission isn't the fastest available, nor is engine refinement.

Nonetheless, performance is good, it has the finest ride-handling balance of any SUV in its class, it comes with a high-spec four-wheel-drive system, it is well-built, and comfort on the interior is first-rate, space apart.