Jeep Compass spotted on test in Mumbai

We've spotted FCA's (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) engineers driving around in camouflaged prototypes of the Jeep Compass in Mumbai. The SUV is expected to be launched for the Indian market by mid-2017.

From the first look, the overall appearance of the test mules easily hinted at this being a Jeep vehicle. Closer inspection revealed that it is the same Compass model, which the automaker unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor Show. And even if it's hard to pull out many exterior details from these camouflaged vehicles, we couldn't see any major component changes. Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches and a cabin that spells class and comfort reminds you of the larger sibling - the Grand Cherokee.

This is the second-gen Jeep Compass that is based on a modified version of the company’s Small-Wide 4×4 platform. This one is used on the Jeep Renegade and the Fiat 500X as well. The Compass boasts of five engine options of which three are petrol and two are diesel engines. The Indian model is expected to get one petrol and one diesel mill, with options of both manual and automatic gearboxes. The 4×4 variant will feature independent suspension, Frequency Selective Damping and precise electric power steering amongst other features.

FCA will build the Compass in four countries including India, China, Brazil and Mexico. It will then be exported for buyers across 100 countries the globe. For the Indian market, we can expect it to be offered in two or four-wheel drive variants. It will have good localisation levels for Jeep to be able to price it aggressively. The Compass will be produced at the carmaker's plant in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra which will make the SUV will the first locally-made Jeep in our country.