Jeep Compass 7-seater SUV spotted testing ahead of launch next year

A new set of spy images shed some light onto what we can expect the upcoming seven-seater variant of the Jeep Compass to look like. This new version of the Compass SUV is Jeep India's next big launch for the Indian market and is expected to debut by early 2021.

These images show that the new Compass variant gets significant changes from the rear doors onwards to accommodate the third row of seats. These include the more bulging haunches over the rear wheels and a completely reworked D-pillar section. Here the window line continues in an upswept arc right up to the rear windscreen, the kinked treatment of the five-seater version replaces by what should be a large quarter glass. The taillamps also seem to have been slightly reworked to accommodate this redesign.

We also expect a slight increase in wheelbase and a longer rear overhang to accommodate the new seats. The heavily camouflaged front-end also point to the Compass getting a styling refresh with this version. The new Compass is expected to get slimmer LED headlamps, a new iteration of the Jeep seven-slat grille and different bumpers. These changes should also carry over to the current five-seat version. On the inside, expect new materials and colours, an updated features list nad a sliding second row of seats. There should be a new version of the Uconnect infotainment, as well as some form of connected-car technology. The Compass already has a long list of features and these should be carried over as is.

Under the hood, the big news should be the new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol that debuted in the updated Compass internationally. This motor makes 130PS when optioned with a manual gearbox and 150PS when paired with a DCT. Both make 270 Nm. The 2.0-litre diesel engine should carry on unchanged with 173PS of power and 350Nm of torque, coupled with a 9-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Jeep also debuted the 4xe hybrid AWD version of the Compass internationally but that is not expected to be made available here. The AWD setup and various off-road modes that are a Compass USP should find their way here too.

The seven-seater Jeep Compass is expected to compete with the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, the upcoming Skoda Kodiaq petrol and the Honda CR-V. This aside from its indirect ladder-frame rivals like the lesser versions of the MG Gloster, Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner. A premium of around Rs 1.5 lakhs is expected to be charged for this version of the Compass, over the standard five-seater Compass. Current prices of the Compass range from Rs 16.49 lakh to Rs 27.60 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai.