Jeep CompassIt’s a name recognised throughout the world, chiefly on account of the wartime history. The world moves on of course, and here in the UK Jeep’s sales have declined over the last five years from 6,700 in 2006 to just over 2,000 last year. That’s might be about to change, for a major revamp of models is starting with the latest Compass, which breaks new ground for the company in being the first new generation Jeep to offer 2WD versions; Jeep may be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, but even this iconic brand has to move with the times.The company reckons that these new two-wheel drive versions will put the Compass within reach of hatchback owners who want to trade up; these buyers don’t need 4WD, but want SUV styling, image and practicality. At the other end of the scale, Jeep says the Compass offers a credible 4x4 to buyers who are downsizing from larger models. They certainly have an enviable reputation in this market and the Compass now has a more ‘premium feel’ thanks to the improved quality of its new interior and the Grand Cherokee inspired looks.There’s a choice of four engines – two petrol and two diesel – and helpfully one of each is available under the bonnet of the 2WD cars. It’s worth mentioning here that based on the pricing for the only version that can be had in both four- and two-wheel drive, going for the 2WD version will save you a couple of grand.At the launch in Northamptonshire I drove the higher powered 4x4 diesel, which like the lower powered one is an excellent Mercedes unit; Jeep think that the diesel engines will account for at least 65% of sales. Performance is all you’d reasonably want, and roadholding likewise; it’s not the sort of car you’ll be aiming to frighten your passengers with anyway. Ride is pretty firm, and the Northamptonshire roads proved that the Compass will notice any bumps that are out of the ordinary.There’s loads of room in whichever of the five seats you put yourself, and it’s a pretty comfortable ride, though more lateral support in the front seats wouldn’t go amiss. As for the back seats, their back rests will recline through 12 degrees, and also fold forwards to enlarge the boot area. Despite the cushion not folding, the extended boot floor is still flat, as it is set so high due to the 4WD machinery that lurks beneath. Boot volume in five-seat use is a capacious 458 litres (16 cubic feet), rising to 1269 litres with the rear seats folded.The 2.4 petrol (available only with CVT auto transmission) and the higher powered 2.2CRD diesel engines both feature Jeep’s Freedom Drive 1. This is a full-time active 4WD system with a locking mode for low traction conditions. In normal driving, power is sent to the front wheels in order to save fuel, but the system automatically shifts power from the front axle to the rear as needed (when wheel slippage is detected), using an electronically controlled clutch. The system also features a locking function to send an equal amount of power to the front and rear for maximum traction in more demanding terrain. This takes the form of a lockable centre coupling. Pulling up on the chrome T-handle on the centre console disables the automatic function and enforces a torque split of 50-50 between front and rear wheels, which should enable the driver to cope with deep snow, sand or other slippery surfaces. All Compass models are well equipped, with multi-stage front airbags plus side curtain airbags at front and rear. Standard on all models too are Electronic Stability Control, brake assist, alarm, alloy wheels, electric windows/mirrors, computer, remote locking, and as you’d expect of a Jeep – cruise control. The only noticeable absentee is reach adjustment for the steering, which these days really ought to be fitted to any car in this sector.The new Compass is a solid competitor in the burgeoning SUV market, though with the 2WD petrol model weighing in at 1424 kilos it’s not as heavy as you might think. Compared to the opposition – even that from Korea – it’s competitively priced, and as you’d expect it feels built to last. There are small disappointments, but probably not enough to worry buyers attracted by the connection to American automotive history.Size: 4.45m x 1.81mEngines: Petrol: 2.0 & 2.4 litres – 154 & 168PSDiesel: 2.2 litres – 134 & 161PSGearbox: 5/6-speed FWD or 4WDBest Consumption: 134PS diesel – 46.3mpgPrice at June ’11: from £16,995Full details of the Compass are available on the manufacturer’s website: www.jeep.co.ukPeter Cracknell – June 2011
Jeep Compass
It’s a name recognised throughout the world, chiefly
on account of the wartime history. The world moves
on of course, and here in the UK Jeep’s sales have
declined over the last five years from 6,700 in 2006 to
just over 2,000 last year. That’s might be about to
change, for a major revamp of models is starting with
the latest Compass, which breaks new ground for the
company in being the first new generation Jeep to
offer 2WD versions; Jeep
may be celebrating its
70th anniversary this
year, but even this iconic
brand has to move with
the times.
The company reckons
that these new two-wheel
drive versions will put the
Compass within reach of
hatchback owners who
want to trade up; these
buyers don’t need 4WD,
but want SUV styling,
image and practicality. At
the other end of the
scale, Jeep says the
Compass offers a
credible 4x4 to buyers
who are downsizing from
larger models. They certainly have an enviable
reputation in this market and the Compass now has a
more ‘premium feel’ thanks to the improved quality of
its new interior and the Grand Cherokee inspired
looks.
There’s a choice of four engines – two petrol and two
diesel – and helpfully one of each is available under
the bonnet of the 2WD cars. It’s worth mentioning
here that based on the pricing for the only version
that can be had in both four- and two-wheel drive,
going for the 2WD version will save you a couple of
grand.
At the launch in Northamptonshire I drove the higher
powered 4x4 diesel, which like the lower powered one
is an excellent Mercedes unit; Jeep think that the
diesel engines will account for at least 65% of sales.
Performance is all you’d reasonably want, and
roadholding likewise; it’s not the sort of car you’ll be
aiming to frighten your passengers with anyway. Ride
is pretty firm, and the Northamptonshire roads proved
that the Compass will notice any bumps that are out
of the ordinary.
There’s loads of room in whichever of the five seats
you put yourself, and it’s a pretty comfortable ride,
though more lateral support in the front seats wouldn’t
go amiss. As for the back seats, their back rests will
recline through 12 degrees, and also fold forwards to
enlarge the boot area. Despite the cushion not
folding, the extended boot floor is still flat, as it is set
so high due to the 4WD machinery that lurks beneath.
Boot volume in five-seat use is a capacious 458 litres
(16 cubic feet), rising to 1269 litres with the rear seats
folded.
The 2.4 petrol (available only with CVT auto
transmission) and the higher powered 2.2CRD diesel
engines both feature Jeep’s Freedom Drive 1. This is
a full-time active 4WD system with a locking mode for
low traction conditions. In normal driving, power is sent
to the front wheels in order to save fuel, but the system
automatically shifts power from the front axle to the rear
as needed (when wheel slippage is detected), using an
electronically controlled clutch. The system also features
a locking function to send an equal amount of power to
the front and rear for
maximum traction in more
demanding terrain. This
takes the form of a
lockable centre coupling.
Pulling up on the chrome
T-handle on the centre
console disables the
automatic function and
enforces a torque split of
50-50 between front and
rear wheels, which
should enable the driver
to cope with deep snow,
sand or other slippery
surfaces.
All Compass models are
well equipped, with multi-
stage front airbags plus
side curtain airbags at
front and rear. Standard
on all models too are Electronic Stability Control, brake
assist, alarm, alloy wheels, electric windows/mirrors,
computer, remote locking, and as you’d expect of a Jeep
– cruise control. The only noticeable absentee is reach
adjustment for the steering, which these days really
ought to be fitted to any car in this sector.
The new Compass is a solid competitor in the
burgeoning SUV market, though with the 2WD petrol
model weighing in at 1424 kilos it’s not as heavy as you
might think. Compared to the opposition – even that from
Korea – it’s competitively priced, and as you’d expect it
feels built to last. There are small disappointments, but
probably not enough to worry buyers attracted by the
connection to American automotive history.
Size:
4.45m x 1.81m
Engines:
Petrol: 2.0 & 2.4 litres – 154 &
168PS
Diesel: 2.2 litres – 134 & 161PS
Gearbox:
5/6-speed FWD or 4WD
Best Consumption:
134PS diesel – 46.3mpg
Price at June ’11:
from £16,995
Full details of the Compass are available on the
manufacturer’s website: www.jeep.co.uk
Peter Cracknell – June 2011
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