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18/01/2012, 20:16
Car Review By MURRAY HUBBARD
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If at first you don’t succeed .... this seems to be Chrysler Jeep’s philosophy in re-launching the Jeep Compass to the Australian market. The original Compass was launched here in 2007 but due to average sales disappeared from showrooms in 2009. Now the Compass name is back and the sheetmetal is a compact imitation of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, a vehicle that has exceeded buyer expectations in design, function, engines and build quality.
While the new Compass looks like the Grand Cherokee it has Jeep Patriot running gear - Patriot having a classic Jeep shape. In comparison Compass looks 2012. Both vehicles will be sold side by side as compact Jeep SUVs. Compass comes with either a 2.0 litre petrol or 2.4 litre petrol engine, the diesel power plant no longer on offer. Gearbox options include a CVT2 (continuously variable) automatic or a five speed manual.
While Compass may look like the Grand Cherokee, unfortunately, clothes do not maketh the man ... nor sheetmetal the car. The 2012 model is an improvement over the previous Compass, but still falls short of the mark when compared to leaders in the compact SUV segment. Where Compass does hit the mark is the bottom line. Like Grand Cherokee, Jeep has gone for sharp pricing and Compass can be yours from $30,500 - well under others in this segment.
Under the sheetmetal there have been some changes and improvements. But the 2.0 litre and 2.4 litre petrol engines are a carry-over from the previous Compass and while adequate will not break any speed records. This is felt most when going up hills and even the CVT struggles to compensate for the vehicle’s 1600 kg bottom line. Jenny Craig please call Jeep. Compass comes in two model lines: Sport and Limited. Both have AWD and the Sport model also now comes with a 2WD variant running grunt through the front wheels.
JEEP COMPASS SPORT
This entry-level model comes with the 2.0 litre in-line four cylinder engine that produces 115 kW of power and 190 Nm of torque. This is linked to a five speed manual transmission. Standard features include: stability control, roll mitigation, hill-start assist, driver and passenger airbags, all-row side curtain airbags, driver and passenger active head restraints, 17 inch alloy wheels, ABS brakes, air-con, power windows, doors locks, heated exterior mirrors, illuminated keyless entry, illuminated cup holders, driver seat height adjustment, floor mats, outside temp. gauge, fold flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split fold rear pew, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control and fog lamps. All in all not a bad package.
Sport and Limited do not have standard side front airbags which will set you back and extra $800 in the Sport and $550 in Limited, but includes heated seats and tyre pressure display in a safety and comfort package.
JEEP COMPASS LIMITED
In addition to the standard inclusions in Sport the Limited gains the second generation CVT2 transmission, leather trimmed seats, six-way driver power seat adjustment and manual lumbar support adjust. There’s a 40GB touch-screen CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with uconnect phone, auto dimming rear view mirror, 18 inch aluminium wheels and auto temperature control. Options include the AWD system, side airbags, 2.4 litre engine, power sunroof, uconnect 'phone with iPod connectivity and nine speaker premium audio with liftgate speakers and satellite navigation.
Where Jeep Compass has improved is ride and handling with upgraded steering and suspension systems. In our road test of the vehicle in Melbourne the Compass is settled on urban roads and cruises nicely - if a little noisily - on highways. There’s some body roll when cornering, not unexpected in a high-riding SUV.
The five-seat interior is comfortable, but lacks the contemporary look of the exterior. It is closely modelled on stable mate Patriot. We found a few squeaks and the cabin is noisier than rivals in this segment. The interior finish and fit also lags behind rivals. But, Jeep have priced Compass competitively.
Compass is available in a range of colours, some conservative and others suited to younger buyers. These include: Black, silver metallic, white, tungsten metal, cherry red pearl, green pearl, copperhead pearl and true blue pearl. Compass joins a Jeep stable that includes Patriot, Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee for Jeep’s broadest ever range in Australia.
PRICING AND SPECIFICATIONS
Sport 2.0 litre manual/CVT 2WD $26,500/$28,500
Sport 2.4 litre manual/CVT AWD $28,500/$30,500
Limited 2.4 litre CVT AWD $34,000
Engines:
2.0 litre DOHC 16 valve
Capacity: 1988 cc
Power: 115 kW @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 190 Nm @ 5100 rpm
2.4 litre DOHC 16 valve
Capacity: 2359 cc
Power: 125@ 6000 rpm
Torque: 220 @ 4500 rpm
Transmissions:
Sport (standard)
5 speed manual with overdrive
Limited (standard)
CVT auto
Economy
manual: 7.6 l/100 km
CVT: 8.2 l/100 km
Towing (braked)
Up to 1200 kg (2.0 litre) Up to 1500 kg (2.4 litre)
Cargo volume
Seats up: 458 litres
Seats folded: 1269 litres
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