[LordSharan]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Localizing the Wrangler to bring it under 20 lakhs is out of the question, when the localized Compass and Renegade themselves will be in and around that price-range.

40 lakhs is more realistic.

I seriously doubt they would go down that road though. The volumes simply don't warrant CKDs and assembly for a product like the Wrangler. At least, not at the moment and the near future.

This is a classic Catch 22 situation- the volumes won't increase unless the prices are brought down, by localising it which implies case for localisation can't be made. Now case for localising can be made only when volumes are significant, which will not grow unless prices come down.

There has to be a trade off- and I would really advise for localisation. Multiple reasons- Indian market is maturing for automobiles, and especially for life style vehicles such as Wrangler (not at current price point though- a very relevant example is Isuzu V-cross DMax). Another reason - India is fast emerging as the global hub for manufacturing automobiles. Makes sense to leverage that and export vehicles from here.

[ariesonu]

Was at Ranjangaon factory yday, till late evening. Got to checkout COMPASS & WRANGLER up, close & personal but since this was business visit & as am bound by NDA, alas I cannot share the photos.

Towards the end of the day, about 15 camouflaged COMPASS were brought out, probably for monsoon test drives. The drivers seemed like FIAT employees only.
Few drivers really floored them on road and then braked hard outside the gates itself. COMPASS did inspire confidence on wet roads and tight corners.
However COMPASS, in person, looks smaller than in photos.
WRANGLER on other hand is altogether a different ball game.

Regards-Sonu

[Axe77]

The Compass is already in dealerships. Why the need to camouflage them?

[m_upreti]

Originally Posted by suhaas307

Localizing the Wrangler to bring it under 20 lakhs is out of the question, when the localized Compass and Renegade themselves will be in and around that price-range.

40 lakhs is more realistic.

I seriously doubt they would go down that road though. The volumes simply don't warrant CKDs and assembly for a product like the Wrangler. At least, not at the moment and the near future.

It is more of a wishful thinking, considering the base version of Rubicon starts at around INR equivalent of 22L in the US

[Waspune]

Originally Posted by theroadrunner

A few pics from compass up close and personal

The seats already look soiled . Wonder what did the Jeep thinktank were upto before coming up with light coloured( even lighter than beige) seat cover. A darker shade would have been more practical.

[lamborghini]

So the Automatic will come with the dry clutch DSG technology according to posts here.

How reliable will that be - as VWAG has faced many issues with their 7 speed dry clutch, especially in Indian conditions.
And unfortunately, I do not have that much faith in FCA to replace the parts free of cost upon failure unlike Skoda (more a result of global pressure).

[Waspune]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

So the Automatic will come with the dry clutch DSG technology according to posts here.

How reliable will that be - as VWAG has faced many issues with their 7 speed dry clutch, especially in Indian conditions.
And unfortunately, I do not have that much faith in FCA to replace the parts free of cost upon failure unlike Skoda (more a result of global pressure).

Fiat is quite good with parts replacement under warranty. Jeep shouldnt be different. I would be more concerned with the 9 speed ZF sourced automatic that would debut (in India) with diesel Compass sometime later that has had its share of issues around the world.

[PM - B]

Originally Posted by lamborghini

And unfortunately, I do not have that much faith in FCA to replace the parts free of cost upon failure

I have a first generation - Jan 2009 Manufacture MJD Linea

In 2016 I raised an issue with Fiat for the driver seat height adjustment mechanism - (it would go down over a few days - not an expensive component) and it was replaced free - without making any fuss - Almost 7 years. They also replaced some chrome trim - which had fallen off.

So far comfortable with Fiat Warranty and expect the same from Jeep.

[theroadrunner]

Originally Posted by Waspune

The seats already look soiled . Wonder what did the Jeep thinktank were upto before coming up with light coloured( even lighter than beige) seat cover. A darker shade would have been more practical.

Oh so true. That was the first thing which struck me when I got in.also the seat base has crumpled too.will be a nightmare for owners to clean. I also felt that without a sunroof the interior will become a little claustrophobic.

[SwapnilNalavade]

Just received this over WhatsApp

Jeep info (as heard) :

Tentative launch 31st July / 1st August.

Phase 1 launch in August. Only diesel manual

Phase 2 launch in October'17. Petrol Automatic & manual.

Phase 3 launch early next year. Diesel Automatic.

5 variants available.
Base: Compass sport (full black interiors and seats)
Mid: Compass Longitude & Longitude Optional. (Dual tone black & beige interiors and beige seats)
Top: Compass Limited & Limited optional (White leather seats)
Variant wise brochure not available yet at dealerships.

Market rumour abt pricing is 18 - 22 lacs.

[RavenAvi]

Some fresh shots of the Compass in black and red sent by one of my sources, during a recent training session conducted at FCA premises.

And one for the wallpaper buffs (received on WhatsApp):

[ariesonu]

Originally Posted by Axe77

The Compass is already in dealerships. Why the need to camouflage them?

Valid point. I presume they never removed camouflage from these test mules. Few of them, still had some comps and data recorders placed on passenger seats and nearby to drivers.

Regards-Sonu

[mathuranuj]

Got a call fro Jeep Pune today. The executive wanted to inform me about that the Compass is displayed in the showrooms. I said that I'll only go to the showroom once the prices are announced and the test drive is available. No sense in going otherwise, as Jeep's Cherokee and Wrangler had been priced way beyond the expectations. To this, he said that the price launch will be on 31 July and the test drives will also be available from that day.

[nitinralli]

People in NCR:

Just received a message from Landmark Jeep stating that they have organised first ever Off-roading event for Compass at TGIP Mall, Noida on 22nd and 23rd July starting from 11am to 9pm.

[petroguzzler]

Saw a red Compass in flesh today. It really looks good and is nicely different from the dime a dozen Germans, Toyota's and Hyundai's.