Quote:
Originally Posted by Waspune Yesterday I did a TD of the Compass and the guy said that the Trailhawk is going to be launched exclusively with the 9 speed auto box. Why don't you go for the Compass 4x4 if you want a manual? Yes it doesn't have the rock mode, sunroof and great approach and departure angle but still should be fine until you are interested in the hardcore off-roading for which the Trailhawk is known for. You will get 6 airbags and save a lot of cash too! |
Well, I suppose that's as reliable as info can get given the circumstances.
And yes, as a matter of fact, I do take issue with the Compass LTD 4x4 - that approach angle thanks to that plastic lip is an atrocity. I've seen a Compass scrape that thing where even my Alto doesn't bat an eyelid.
And actually, a monocoque itself is a comedown for me. While I would be very interested to learn more about the whole modern Monocoque vs Ladder Frame debate from the perspective that more and more so-called "pukka" off-roaders are switching to monocoques (the new Discovery for example), I fear that might be going off-topic.
For what it's worth though, unless otherwise convinced by more well-rounded opinions, I will maintain my stance of "No Ladder Frame and/or 4WD means No SUV" (not that any label, even my own, would affect a purchase for me).
As a matter of fact, I wasn't even considering the Compass until the Trailhawk was announced for India. Hadn't even bothered to obsessively pour over the T-BHP review as I would usually do - I simply dismissed it as yet another raw deal for Indian customers.
But barring the whole monocoque issue, the superior ADR angles and power/torque to weight ratio than the default picks for me (Ford Endeavour/Toyota Fortuner) has me interested. Not only are those cars out of reach, but:
1. I don't really require that size of vehicle - the Compass's size is just fine.
2. While I know numbers don't mean anything, and if the Fortuner's edge over the Endeavour off-road is anything to go by, a well tuned traction control seems to be paramount off-road, no matter how many modes or lockable diffs there are (are not). I have reasonable hopes with Jeep in that regard.
Granted, in the off-roading aspect, my research is mostly theoretical, and nearly all knowledge second-hand at this point. But, over time with test rides and learning from this forum (about just how monocoque's can/can't be just as capable), I am open to settling
on (as opposed to
for) the Compass.
The whole "FCA" aspect of the matter of course, is something I don't know if I'll ever be able to overcome - the early reports of the compass certainly aren't helping.
That said, I certainly wouldn't mind the driving dynamics of a monocoque on tarmac, and the Compass's suspension set-up sounds
a la my favourite so far (the Polo in my book of limited experience) which certainly would be a plus.
And no, I don't have towing requirements either. But still, I need to understand the drawbacks of a monocoque expedition (touring + moderate off-road) usage better than simply - "don't overload it, or bash it too hard against a rock, or pay too much attention to the reduced articulation and it'll be about the same as a ladder frame" - which is about the sum total of my understanding right now.
And it wouldn't hurt to be able to just off-road for the heck of it with relatively reckless abandon when I want to. And somehow, I'm not to keen on buying another vehicle (Thar/Gypsy type) just for that.
That said, I've since understood that the Trailhawk diesel comes with a Torque Convertor A/T and not a DCT so that alleviates my fears somewhat - because I must admit that there is absolutely no force on the planet that could make me buy a DCT-equipped FCA vehicle anywhere, let alone in India.
Oh, and the absence of a sun-roof (on any vehicle but a pick-up truck) would be a deal breaker in my book. So, there's that. Don't ask why is my recommendation.
The "tldr" version of the above best summed up as:
![DeadHorse](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/deadhorse.gif)