I’ve read some posts about how the Compass is going to badly “hit” some products. Personally, I feel that even if the Compass is a runaway hit, its not going to significantly hit any single product. And that’s mostly because of the kind of niche the Jeep fills. On a related note, I thought I’d pen down my thoughts on how the Compass compares to some of the possible alternatives which are either cheaper, comparable price or more expensive than the Compass. This might be either based on body shape (SUV); capability (4x4) or price point.
For most part my analysis is based on the 4x4 diesel option although it briefly touches upon the 4x2 AT as well.
What the Compass has: - SUV body shape;
- Compact form factor;
- Well priced (in a sense although this is relative of course);
- Proper 4x4 capability
What the Compass doesn’t have - Full fat SUV / MUV body shape;
- 4x4 A/T (for now)
- Soft roader size like that of XUV / Tucson order – it’s a clear size smaller.
- A big boot
- 7 seats
Note: The above is not a pro and con list. Simply factual on what it is and isn’t. What it offers may not be a draw for everyone. What it doesn’t offer may not be a con either. Some may in fact prefer what it doesn’t offer.
Products which might be compared to the Compass and how it stacks up
1. Duster What you get: Better ride quality, comparable 4x4 manual creds; slightly better space as a 5 seater; bigger boot; all at a significantly cheaper price.
What you lose: Simply not in the same league on finish, feel good factor and quality of interiors. Significantly less powerful engine – a full class and a half below. Jeep has better aspirational brand value too I guess, Duster is an aging product.
If you must have 4x4 but want to spend a lot less than Jeep money, this is probably the most likely option (Scorpio and V Cross being the other two options).
2. Creta What you get: Established reliable brand with predictable after sales service; decent interiors, comparable interior space (perhaps a tad better). Significantly cheaper price. Option of diesel AT (although Jeep will have this soon as well). For petrol A/T the significantly extra money for Compass gets you a more powerful engine.
What you lose: 4x4 capability.
3. Hexa What you get: Much better ride quality; full fat MUV; 7 seat capability; diesel AT but without 4x4 for now; all at a cheaper price tag.
What you lose: Advantage of compact size if that is what is important to you. Better gearbox in the 4x4 manual (I think).
4. XUV 5OO What you get: Option of 7 seats but at cost of boot space; better interior space; better boot space with 5 seats; AWD diesel A/T option although its not comparable to Compass 4x4 setup.
What you don’t: A 4x4 that has the same level of capability as the Compass. Quality wise the Jeep seems better fit and finished. More powerful engine in the Compass (although XUV will be catching up on this soon).
5. Isuzu MUX What you get: Full fat SUV; 7 seat capability; diesel AT with 4x4 capability, all at only a slightly higher price.
What you lose: Advantage of compact size if that is what is important to you. Interiors of Compass are better.
6. Tucson What you get: Plush 5 seater soft road SUV with more comfortable seating, bigger and more practical boot, established reliable brand with predictable after sales. Option of diesel AT (until Compass launches this option)
What you lose: No 4x4 capability; Significant price premium.
7. Tiguan What you get: Everything that Jeep offers in A/T guise combined with better interior finish, slightly better space (reclining rear seats etc); bigger boot; sun roof. Overall a more comfortable version of the Jeep with the added benefit of diesel A/T.
What you lose: Less powerful engine; significantly higher price tag; no manual 4x4 option.
8. D segment sedans
Some D segment sedan buyers may also consider the Compass. In my mind the choice is simple – Compass offers 4x4 capability and SUV shape in a decent package at the expenses of lesser rear seat comfort, boot space etc than most similar priced sedan counterparts like Octy, Altis, Elantra.
To my mind, the Compass is a niche model that offers bits and bobs of what some products offer in a different format. I also assume that D-AT option will soon be available. For this reason, I believe no single product will face the heat on account of the Jeep launch as it will attract niche customers considering it as an alternative to many different products.
Many may consider the extra money for 4x2 petrol AT not worth it over the Creta. Others may consider the 4x4 diesel capability worth the spend over the Duster. Some may only want the Hexa since it offers more car per rupee spent. Others (like me) may consciously prefer the compactness of the Compass. To each his own.