The much anticipated, 2021 Jeep Compass facelift (European-spec) has finally broken cover. It is a replacement model to the current Compass which was launched in India in 2017. While it is true that during the first three years the SUV has undergone a few updates, it is the first time that the Fiat-owned Jeep is undergoing a full midlife facelift.
The new (2021) Jeep Compass facelift features a number of updates, both in terms of cosmetics, as well as mechanical. The new Compass facelift SUV also receives a host of added features and equipment as well.
Exterior Design Updates
For the new model year, the Jeep Compass facelift receives subtle cosmetic updates starting with a redesigned seven-slat honeycomb mesh grille which is flanked by re-profiled headlamps. At the lower side, the front bumper is also reworked. The profile and rear remain identical to the predecessor save for the new alloy wheels that range from 16-inch to 19-inch. Other changes include six new wheel options, five new exterior colors, and a redesigned tonneau cover to give the model a fresh look versus previous editions.
Interior Updates
Inside the cabin, the new Jeep Compass facelift again features subtle updates and changes. The cabin of the 2021 Jeep Compass feels more premium than before and is said to feature premium upholstery and materials. The quality of the material used on the inside has upped the premium quotient of the SUV and it now gets soft-touch finish on the dash and door-pads as well.
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Features
In terms of features, the new Compass comes equipped with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that now features FCA’s latest UConnect 5 software and is compatible with Amazon Alexa along with supporting smartphone connectivity in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It adds a range of services such as My Car and My Remote, which allows remote monitoring and locking/unlocking of the vehicle. The new infotainment system is also capable of receiving over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Other mechanical changes include lighter and more progressive steering wheel, and improved suspension system with frequency selective damping valves. Advanced driver-assist systems such as forward collision and lane departure warning systems are offered as standard equipment across the lineup. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and cross-traffic alert are optional.
Powertrain & Transmission Options
The most significant changes, however, come in the form of a new set of engines on the 2021 Jeep Compass. The SUV has been given a new 1.3-litre, four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine instead of the older 1.4-litre unit. The new 1.3-litre engine comes in two state-of-tunes, producing 128bhp and 148bhp with 270Nm of peak torque on both states of tunes. The unit with a lower state-of-tune will be mated to a six-speed manual, while the other will receive a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission option as well. The new motor is claimed to be a good 30% more efficient than the outgoing 1.4-liter unit. In some markets, this engine will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant as well where this engine will be coupled with an electric motor.
In international markets, the 2021 Jeep Compass facelift will also be powered by a 1.6-litre MultiJet diesel unit as well. This engine churns out 118bhp and 320Nm of torque. There will be both four wheel drive (4WD) and front wheel drive (FWD) variants on offer and the new Compass facelift also gets frequency selective damping technology for the suspension. However, we expect Jeep to continue using the current 2.0-litre diesel unit in India.
At present, the Jeep Compass is offered with a BS6 compliant 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, Multi-jet diesel engine that puts out 170 bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard while a nine-speed torque converter unit is optional. Then is the 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, Multi-air BS6 compliant petrol engine as well that pumps out 160 bhp and 260 Nm of peak torque and even this engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard while a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is also on offer.
FCA, Jeep’s parent company, has shifted the production of Europe-spec models from Mexico to its Italian plant in Melfi to reduce the delivery time. In India, it will be manufactured at FCA’s Ranjangaon plant in Maharashtra from where it will also be exported to other right-hand drive markets. The new Jeep Compass facelift is expected to go on sale in India most probably in 2021. Once launched, the Jeep Compass facelift will rival the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc, Skoda Karoq, Tata Harrier and MG Hector.