Jeep is back again in Malaysia
Yes, that's right, one of the planet's most iconic names in all-things 4x4 and SUVs are back in the local market, hopefully for much longer than it did with DRB-Hicom previously. So let us all say hello and welcome – again – to the Jeep brand.
Following a soft launch event held at its new home in Glenmarie last weekend, Jeep reenters the Malaysian market thanks to its new custodians TAHB Automotive. A small family operation specialising in recon cars, TAHB Automotive was founded in Kedah back in 1982, and it has been growing steadily ever since to include many ventures in the local automotive market space.
The firm has set up a new 3S centre for the Jeep brand located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. To be more specific, Jeep's new Malaysian home sits in the corner lot that once housed the flagship Porsche Glenmarie centre prior. The firm held the Jeep brand's soft launch here last weekend where attendees included a number of invited VIP guests, prospects, plus members of the Jeep Owners Malaysia club.
More importantly, said event featured a preview of two models that's destined to go on sale very soon, those being Jeep's 2020MY Wrangler and the 2020 Compass. On top of which, TAHB Automotive seized the opportunity here and detailed their immediate product plans apart from these two models – more on this in a bit.
Firstly, the Malaysian-flavoured 2020 Jeep Compass SUV offering will soon be available in two variants starting with the Longitude base variant. Its 1.4-litre 4cyl turbo heart delivers 162bhp and 250Nm to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch auto (DCT) box whilst the higher-spec Limited variant offers 168bhp instead, and to all four wheels via AWD and a 9-speed automatic box.
The features list of the 2020MY Compass includes several notable highlights. Amongst them is a a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit boasting voice command plus both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, followed by ABS + BA with both traction and stability control (TCS & ESC) suites, as well as the choice between 17- and 18-inch wheel options amongst many others.
2020 Jeep Compass
2020 Jeep Wrangler
Moving on to the iconic Wrangler 4x4, two variants were also previewed, those being the Unlimted Sport and Rubicon trimlines. The choice of either 2- or 4-door body styles will be available as well. All will come powered by a 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol heart that sends out 270bhp and 400Nm, both managed by a full-blown 4x4 system and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Notable features the Wrangler is endowed with – depending on variant – include keyless ignition, FCA's 7-inch Uconnect infotainment screen unit with both voice command and reverse camera functions, leather seats, LED lighting, as well as a premium Alpine hi-fi system amongst many others.
Like what you're seeing and reading? TAHB Automotive says prices for both the 2020 Compass and Wrangler will be finalised by the end of this month. The firm is aiming to retail the Compass from as low as RM200,000 onwards and from RM300,000 onwards for the Wrangler.
Yes, very pricey, even at this still-unconfirmed stage. However, the inclusion of a five-year warranty and free service package by TAHB Automotive should even things out.
Beyond the Compass and Wrangler, TAHB Automotive did indicate plans to expand its Jeep product range further in the immediate future. These include plans of introducing both the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Grand Cherokee SRT models, not to mention the Renegade as well.
So, are you excited for Jeep's return into the local marketspace? Are you ready for another slice of 'Pure Americana'?
