Jeep Compass: Production commences in India, launch in August

Jeep has started production of the Compass in India. The SUV is being produced at FCA's manufacturing facility in Ranjangaon, Maharashtra. In addition to the Indian market, this factory will also serve all right-hand drive (RHD) markets across the globe. India has become the fourth manufacturing and export hub for the Compass, after Brazil, Mexico and China.

Jeep is aiming to start mass production of the Compass in July 2017. The SUV is likely to be launched in August and will start arriving at dealerships in the third quarter of this year. Meanwhile, exports to other RHD markets are expected to commence from the last quarter of this year.

The India-spec Jeep Compass will be available with two engine options - a 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol and a 2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel. The petrol powerplant is expected to be rated at over 160 BHP and 250 Nm, while the diesel version is expected to churn out over 170 BHP and 350 Nm of torque.

The SUV will also come with a four-wheel drive system, along with Jeep's terrain response system. There will be four driving modes on offer - Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud. A 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual dry clutch technology (DDCT) automatic will be the two transmission options on offer.