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19/03/2007
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
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When it comes to 4WD vehicles Jeep enjoys an almost iconic status. Since the production of the first Jeep back in 1941 the name has been synonymous for rugged, go-anywhere vehicles but in recent years the company has been faced with the dilemma of addressing the desire of modern motorists for increased comfort and luxury in their vehicles.
 While Jeep has joined the trend towards luxury off-roaders with vehicles like its Grand Cherokee until now it has not been seen in the booming soft-roader SUV market, one which has been dominated by vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail. That has now changed with the launch of the Jeep Compass. A second model, the larger Jeep Patriot, will join it later this year.
From most angles the styling of Compass is fairly conservative however from the front it is clearly a Jeep with the traditional combination of a big, seven-slot grille and round headlights. Jeep buyers have made it clear over the years that they want to hold on to the distinctive look of the original World War II vehicle. So the stylists must tread a fine line to satisfy the Jeep purists yet attract a whole new group of younger buyers.
The grille is likely to be the focal point for most prospective buyers – Jeep traditionalists will love it, others may find it a bit too dominant. It certainly will attract attention, something that we’ve come to expect, and admire, from the Chrysler group in recent years.
Power for Compass comes from a choice of 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines. The petrol Compass is mated with either five-speed manual or continuously variable (CVT) automatic, the diesel model is only available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
 The petrol unit generates 125 kilowatts at 6000 rpm with torque of 220 Nm at 4500 revs. While it cruised comfortably on the flat we found the CVT somewhat irritating on hilly terrain and frequently resorted to the tiptronic-style manual override to get into the correct gear.
Diesel engines are still relatively scarce on the compact 4WD scene and, in these times of fluctuating fuel prices the diesel option in Compass is likely to attract attention from the budget-conscious buyer. Interestingly, the engine is borrowed from Volkswagen and provides a good combination of useable torque (310 Nm between 1750 and 2000 rpm) and excellent fuel economy (6.5 litres per 100 kilometres).
On the road Compass handles surprisingly well for a vehicle of its type with below average body roll. Ride comfort is almost car-like as is noise suppression. It uses a new active 4WD system called Freedom Drive which operates the front wheels most of the time and automatically activates all four wheels when extra traction is needed. The system allows the driver to lock-in 4WD mode if desired.
Inside, the Compass can accommodate four adults in reasonable comfort, the typically-square Jeep body providing plenty of headroom for all passengers. There’s good rear legroom and the seats are comfortable and supportive. The rear seats can be folded flat to provide 738 litres of storage space, increasing to 1277 litres when the front passenger seat is also folded flat.
Compass comes with a number of interesting and useful innovations. One is a set of twin speakers which are located in the inside of the tailgate which can swing down to face outward for outdoor entertaining. The cargo area also has a self-recharging removable interior light which can be used as a flashlight when required. The vinyl cargo floor can also be removed for easy cleaning.
Two variants are offered, Sport and Limited. All come with a good range of safety equipment including ABS brakes with brake assist, front and side-curtain air bags, stability and traction control and electronic roll mitigation. There’s also air conditioning, cruise control, CD player (six-stacker and MP3 capability in the Limited) and optional sunroof. Limited also has leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, heated front seats and optional side impact head and thorax airbags.
 The entry of such a respected name as Jeep into the vibrant compact SUV market is sure to make its competitors sit up and take notice. With its combination of distinctive styling, choice of petrol and diesel engines and affordable price it deserves to succeed.
The Jeep Compass range, with prices (excluding on-road costs) is:
Sport 2.4-litre petrol: $32,490 (manual), $34,490 (automatic)
Sport CRD 2.0-litre diesel: $36,490 (manual)
Limited 2.4-litre petrol: $36,490 (manual), $38,490 (automatic)
Limited CRD 2.0-litre diesel: $40,490 (manual) |
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