Jeep D-SUV & upgraded Compass likely to arrive in 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: The leading US automobile manufacturer, Jeep is planning to introduce a brand new sports utility vehicle (SUV) and an upgraded version of the Compass. The company has already rolled out the Compass Trailhawk and has added a standard diesel-automatic model to the series. The BV-VI compliant Compass came next.

The all-new Jeep car, called D-SUV, will be a seven-seat version based on the existing Compass platform. It will share several components with the Compass that are likely to include similar motor and transmission options, body panels, and even interior features like seats and the dashboard. The Toledo-headquartered company is expected to add a number of premium bits and improved materials to warrant a higher price. The new SUV, according to industry reports, will be a more off-road focused car.

Besides the D-SUV, the Compass itself is slated to get a major upgrade inside-out. Jeep is expected to lend new styling upgrades to the car’s interior. The facelift model is already undergoing road tests and the upgrades won’t be just limited to the plastic parts. The facelift Compass would get sheet metal changes. Sources close to the company have claimed that the model is likely to get an all-new dashboard. The latest Uconnect infotainment system from Fiat Chrysler Automobile, Jeep’s parent company, will dominate the new dashboard. The system was released at the 2019 Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and comprises a 12.3-inch touchscreen unit.

Jeep sells five cars in the Malaysian market. The Wrangler Unlimited is the lowest price Jeep vehicle commanding a price of RM 288,889. The Cherokee SRT is the highest-priced car from Jeep, pegged at around RM 698,889.

The Compass series is currently not on sale in Malaysia. The car was launched as a Limited edition trim back in 1994 and at that time was the least expensive Jeep vehicle. It was hauled by a 2.4-liter dynamic overhead camshaft (DOHC) motor, producing 170bhp at 6,000rpm and 220Nm peak torque at 4,500rpm. Jeep, as of now, has not announced any plan to reintroduce the Compass in the Malaysian market.

Also Read: Sub-Compact Jeep SUV to come out in 2022