Long Term Review 3

So it’s finally time for the Jeep Compass to head back and we at Carwale are definitely going to miss it. In all these months we can clearly say that it was the long termer that everyone wanted. One of the reasons for that demand was the way the Compass looks. It’s a good looking SUV the Compass, especially in the silver shade that we had and along with those large chrome finish alloys, it really looks the part and even now manages to turn heads.

Then there’s the interiors. A lovely dashboard layout that feels and looks good with that large infotainment screen taking centre stage. While we ae talking about the infotainment system let me also add that the touchscreen works flawlessly and the audio quality is an immersive one. The seats too are large and cushy and there’s enough place to seat five people comfortably. The massive sunroof adds further to the airy-ness of the cabin.

The engine is a bit of a hit and miss and we are talking about the 1.4-litre petrol here. Yes it’s turbocharged and 160bhp and 250Nm are decent figures, but the Compass is a large heavy car and you really need to wring it to get it going. The twin-clutch gearbox helps and its fun when you get it going but the fun comes at a price…fuel efficiency.

Fuel efficiency takes a hit and a little spirited driving will get figures in the low 6’s. Even with sedate driving the Compass hovers around 9 kmpl in the city so it’s definitely not the most fuel efficient SUV out there.

Driving the Compass is a relaxing affair as it hovers over the bad sections offering a pretty comfortable drive. It’s not the squishiest and does have an underlying firmness but that helps when you want to push it around some bends. High speed stability is also pretty good and the Compass makes for a pretty good mile muncher.

All said and done, if you love the Jeep Compass and want it in AT trim only, the petrol is your only option until Jeep brings out a diesel AT. If the less than average fuel efficiency does not bother you, the Compass makes for an excellent city runabout and doubles up a comfortable highway cruiser.

Vehicle Log

Odo: 10430km

Km this month: 1470km

Fuel: 68 litres

Fuel Efficiency: 7.7kmpl

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi