Jeep Compass TrailHawk teased: 9 speed diesel automatic SUV almost here!

Jeep India has just put a teaser of the upcoming Compass TrailHawk SUV. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk will be a top-end trim of the SUV, and is likely to be priced at around Rs. 25 lakhs. The range-topping variant will be aimed at off-road enthusiasts, and is meant to be much better than other variants of the Compass, off the road. There are significant revisions to the TrailHawk trim, most of them aimed at better off roading performance. Jeep has also added a big convenience feature, something that the Compass was found wanting right from the outset – a diesel automatic option. A 9 speed torque converter automatic gearbox will accompany the 2 liter Multijet turbocharged diesel engine of the Compass. Power and torque figures will be unchanged though, at 170 Bhp-350 Nm.

The all wheel drive layout will also be carried over but with two additional modes for the Terrain Response system: Sand and Rock. Under the skin, the suspension will get revisions to improve articulation off the road. The front and rear bumpers will also be reprofiled for better approach and departure angles respectively. On the inside, changes are likely to be minimal, and confined to different colour trims. As for features, everything that the Compass Limited Plus variant offers will be carried over to the TrailHawk trim, along with an addition or two. In terms of styling, the TrailHawk trim will get a two tone paint job with a black contrast finish for the bumpers and bonnet. A TrailHawk badge will also be added.

While the Jeep Compass TrailHawk will appeal to those seeking convenience of an automatic gearbox in a diesel SUV as well as those who want a competent off roader, the American SUV maker is still leaving out a large chunk of SUV buyers – those who want convenience without added frills such as an all wheel drive system or the various off roading bits. For now, Jeep has not indicated that the 9 speed automatic gearbox would be available on lower variants of the Compass Diesel, leaving buyers seeking convenience with only the petrol automatic option, which comes with a front wheel drive layout as standard. The petrol motor is a 1.4 liter-4 cylinder, turbocharged unit with 160 Bhp-250 Nm, and gets a front wheel drive layout as standard.

The Compass is also available with the diesel engine-front wheel driven layout on lower variants, mainly those aimed at buyers on a budget. The diesel engine is also available with an all wheel drive layout. With the arrival of the MG Hector – a likely Compass rival – and the Tata Harrier, which is already doing very well, the TrailHawk variant of the Compass comes at just the right time. However, it remains to be seen if the pricey version actually makes a big difference in terms of sales. The Compass has already lost half its sales to the likes of the facelifted XUV500 and the Tata Harrier. With new competition coming in, jeep may need more than just a range topping version.