Introduction

The Jeep Compass has had a free run for a while. The lack of any serious competition meant it took off like a shaken champagne bottle’s cork at launch. And even now, the sales are pretty handsome.

But the Tata Harrier is here, and so is the MG Hector. Which means, if you have around Rs 20 lakhs to spare, a quick re-cap about the Compass can’t be a bad idea for you.

So, here are five things we like and two that we don’t, about the Jeep Compass.

Positives

Driving Dynamics

It might be an SUV, but it is built on a monocoque. Which means it is relatively lighter, more agile, and more manageable than conventional SUVs.

But, even as monocoque SUVs go, the Compass has a car like turn-in, it has a good grip around the corners, and the steering is quick and alive. It also feels light and progressive and manageable under braking. And if roads and speed limits allow, the Compass feels rock-solid in a straight line even at high speeds.

Cabin Comfort

You won’t step into the Compass’ cabin and go wow! But it is a very well put together cabin. The plastic all-round looks and feels upmarket. The switches and buttons work with a positive click. The panel joints are all even.

And apart from the plastic for the seat base, everything else works towards justifying the car’s 20 lakh price tag. And did I mention the door closing has a solid thud to it as well...

Multimedia System

Be it the crisp graphics, the intuitive touch response, or the number of features it packs in, the multimedia system on the Compass is the real deal.

Apart from the regular stuff, it also has climate control integrated into the system, and you can use voice command while driving to operate it.

But my favourite is CarPlay. Just plug the phone in and then apart from listening to songs, and working the navigation, you can also get the system to read, reply or write a new WhatsApp message. I guess I don’t have any reason to text and drive anymore!

Not that I did that before... you know someone might be watching...

Drivetrain Options

This one here is the petrol automatic. But, if you were to download and then refer to the CarWale app, you’d find that there are at least 14 versions of the SUV to choose from!

So, there’s the 1.4-litre turbo petrol with 160bhp which comes with a six-speed manual or as is the case with our car, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. And both these are front-wheel driven.

Then there’s a two-litre diesel one. It makes over 170 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual. Now, there’s no automatic gearbox option with the diesel engine, but you can get one with all-wheel drive!

Phew, that’s quite a lot to choose from. Clearly, one size fits all doesn’t fly with Jeep.

Features

Right. For Rs 20 lakh or thereabouts, one does expect the car to be packed to the gills with features. And the Compass does pack in a solid punch here. And, just to make my life easier so that I don’t have to do what my 12-year-old does for his exams, I will read out the list instead of mugging it up.

So, there’s keyless entry and start, two-zone climate control system, powered seats with memory for the driver, rake and reach adjust for the steering, USB and 12Volt charging options, a sunroof, a reversing camera, rear AC vents, leather seats, and lots and lots of storage option.

Addition of a cooled box though would have been great.

Negatives

Fuel economy

Now, this is truer for the petrol automatic we have here, but even the two-litre diesel with the manual box doesn’t exactly set records for fuel economy.

This one here has a lazy throttle response. And that gets drivers to stamp on the throttle harder and for longer. Which of course ruins the fuel economy. There’s also no Sport mode to improve the throttle response.

Noisy engines

No matter whether you choose the petrol or the diesel engine. If you drive them with even a bit of enthusiasm and get them to rev to their mid-range and beyond, things can get quite noisy.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but if it’s luxury we are touting, a high level of engine refinement is pretty much expected.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. A crash course about the Jeep Compass.

Pictures by Kapil Angane