Jeep Compass

If you’re buying the Compass, you get to choose between two engine options - a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel. With the petrol, you get the choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. While 163PS and 250Nm is plenty for the SUV (0-100 comes up in 9.99 sec), the engine has a bit of a drinking problem. The petrol-auto we had on test returned an eye-watering 6.1kmpl inside the city, and a marginally better 8.5kmpl on the highway. We also tested the diesel-manual (4x4) that makes 173PS of power and 350Nm of torque. This variant was a whole lot more efficient, delivering 11.07kmpl inside the city and 16.02kmpl on the highway. It was just as quick as the petrol-auto, taking 10.03 sec to reach 100kmph. There's now even a 9-speed automatic option but that's only available with the Trailhawk variant. Shifts are smooth when driven in an unhurried manner but the off-road focus and price premium means that this will appeal only to the enthusiast.

The design of the Compass blends modern elements with typical ‘upright and boxy’ SUV basics. It’s big on size and does make sure tiny hatchbacks get out of your way if they spot it in their rearview mirror. There are typically Jeep elements too, including the seven-slat grille and the squared-off wheel arches. For that premium touch, you get projector headlamps, daytime running lamps and LED bits in the tail lamps. The top-spec Limited Plus variant gets a sweet set of two-tone alloy wheels, whereas lower variants get more sombre-looking alloys. There’s a lizard hiding under the wiper, and a Loch Ness monster on the rear windscreen too. Talk about attention to detail.

With the Compass, you don’t have to really climb high to get inside the cabin. But once you’re in, the space on offer doesn’t impress too much. Relative to the size of the SUV, rear-seat kneeroom can be termed average at best. There’s no dearth of width or headroom in the cabin, though. As far as features go, Jeep has you covered. With the recently introduced Limited Plus variant, you get the all-important sunroof, an 8.4-inch touchscreen (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), and electric-adjust for the driver seat with memory function. Oddly enough, it continues to puzzle us with the absence of cruise control. You also get a rock-solid build and a host of safety features to go with. Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and traction control are offered as standard. Side and curtain airbags are offered in the Limited (4x4), Limited Option (4x4) and the Limited Plus variant.

The Jeep Compass variant list includes Sport, Longitude, Limited and Limited Plus. The Longitude and Limited versions further get an option pack. The diesel engine is available across all variants, but the petrol motor isn’t available in the Longitude variant. Also, while the base-spec petrol Compass is manual only, the top two variants of the Compass petrol only get an automatic transmission. If you want 4x4, you get that choice in the Limited, Limited (O) and Limited Plus variants with the diesel engine only. The latest addition to the Compass lineup is the Trailhawk which gets more off-road focused bodywork and equipment. It even gets a much-awaited diesel-automatic combo but commands a premium of Rs 3.7 lakh over the top-spec Limited Plus.

In the base-spec Sport variant, you get 16-inch steel wheels, a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and manual AC. But since safety features such as dual airbags, ABS, ESC and traction control is offered, we happily recommend this to those on a strict budget. Climb up the chain, and the Longitude offers some flash value in the form of a beige-black cabin, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and push-button start. But, if you’ve got the budget for a Longitude, we’d recommend you reach out for the Longitude (O) instead. The projector headlamps, bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and dual-zone climate control is worth it. The Longitude (O) variant is also our value-for-money pick of the lot. In the Limited variant, Jeep offers grey leather upholstery, different alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Limited (O) additionally gets you HID headlamps. You can give these variants a skip and pick the new Limited Plus variant that offers a whole lot more, including a panoramic sunroof, a powered driver seat with memory function and a bigger 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The price premium is well worth it.

Tata Hexa: Tata has been putting out some amazing cars lately and the Hexa is no exception. The stylish new SUV is a head turner for sure. It is superbly built and refined. The smaller footprint also helps it while manoeuvring in the city.

Hyundai Creta: The Hyundai Creta might be a vanilla package, but that doesn’t stop it from being a potent one. It’s got the mix of looks, features and drivability, ensuring that thousands of prospective owners throng Hyundai’s showrooms every month. The waiting periods can get annoying though, so be warned!

Mahindra XUV500: Like most Mahindra vehicles, the XUV offers a lot for the money. Quality is a bit of a hit or miss, and there are known niggles too. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mahindra’s big boy is a well-packaged SUV for those who love munching miles.

Tata Harrier: We don’t see any major deal breakers with the Harrier. It’s loaded, spacious, drives well and is built like a tank. Tata’s best yet? Without a doubt.

It’s a Jeep thing, they say. And if you’ve always wanted one, the Compass is a great one to begin with. It’s rock-solid, built to munch miles and ready to get down and dirty. If you can live with the slightly small cabin, it’s a very capable SUV to have in your garage!