The Compass is designed to combine the on-road performance and attributes of a passenger car with the fun and functionality of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). It is the first modern Jeep aimed with the concrete jungle in mind, rather than serious off-road trails and will appeal to those who want an alternative to the traditional SUV.
The compact dimensions of the Jeep Compass make it easy to park and drive around congested town and city streets. The Compass is easily maneuvered into tight parking spaces and the driving position is higher than the average car.
Although Compass is more car-like, there is no mistaking its Jeep character in the seven-slot grille and muscular wheel arches. The styling is a cross between a five-door hatchback and a wagon, so there is plenty of room for five adults and luggage or lifestyle equipment. The standard roof rails will accommodate a variety of rack attachments to carry larger items, such as mountain bikes, tents or kayaks.
The Compass is also adventurous and can go places that will stop ordinary passenger cars in their tracks, thanks to the advanced Freedom Drive 1™ full-time, four-wheel-drive system that has the ability to lock both axles on demand for increased traction in deep snow, sand and mud.
The full-time four-wheel-drive system works well on and off the road, sensing when additional traction is required and sending more drive to the rear wheels. The driver can lock both front and rear axles together electronically to increase traction in difficult conditions, such as snow-covered, muddy or slippery tracks.
On the road, the Compass is the best handling and riding Jeep of all, with its independent suspension system – MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link layout at the rear - and responsive steering, making the Compass enjoyable to drive on New Zealand’s dynamic road conditions.
“Compass opens up numerous possibilities for Jeep to expand its customer base in this market,” says Brett Aspden, General Manager for the Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler New Zealand.
“Whilst it will appeal to those with an active outdoors lifestyle who want the versatility of vehicle that is easy to use around town yet can still take them to the ski fields or remote coastal beaches, Compass is also expected to appeal to those who are looking for something different to the mainstream small SUVs.”
Among standard safety features on all models are the active four-wheel-drive system, which gives additional traction in all weather and road conditions; Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), incorporating traction control and ABS anti-lock braking, which senses when the vehicle is in danger of skidding off the road and automatically brings it under control; plus a strong safety cell built around the passengers, augmented by front and side curtain airbags.
A stand-out safety feature that sets Compass from its competitors is Electronic Roll Mitigation, which senses if the vehicle is in danger of rolling and takes corrective measures – a feature first introduced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Jeep Compass is among the most fuel efficient of any similar type of vehicle on the market. The 2.4L CVT is one of the new World family of engines produced in Dundee Michigan, designed not only to deliver excellent economy, but also to provide spirited performance. With a power output of 125kW @ 6000rpm and torque of 220Nm at 4500rpm, this engine makes use of the latest in technology to extract maximum performance. The DOHC design features dual Variable Valve Timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps to optimise the torque curve at all speeds and maximize fuel efficiency.
The common rail diesel model is especially fuel efficient - which has an average consumption of 6.5L/100km or almost 44mpg. On the highway the Compass CRD returns an official fuel consumption figures of 5.4L100km (52mpg) and the around town figure is 8.3L/100km (34mpg).
The 2.0-litre turbo diesel multi-valve engine is the latest common rail design from Europe with very low noise levels. But where this 103kW engine really shines is in its torque delivery and fuel economy. This powertrain offers superb performance with 310Nm of torque peaking between 1750 and 2500rpm, and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Versatility and flexibility are essential ingredients in the Jeep Compass. The 60/40 rear seat backs can be folded effortlessly in a one-touch operation to expand the carrying capacity inside the car. Mindful of active lifestyles, the seats in the standard model are covered in a new type of upholstery material called Yes Essentials®, an easy-care, soil repellant and anti-microbial luxurious fabric that is resistant to stains, odours and discolouration. In the Limited model, premium leather upholstery is specified, with both front seats heated.
The Jeep Compass is also packed with innovative features, such as the rear cargo light that can be removed and utilised as an LED torch, a removable vinyl cargo tray that easy pull out and clean, plus the sliding centre armrest that moves to accommodate shorter drivers. The centre armrest also features a unique pocket designed to hold a cell phone or MP3 player. Options include a high performance 458-watt Boston Acoustics 9-speaker sound system including sub woofer and tailgate speakers that can flip down for summer beach parties or barbecues.
The Jeep Compass goes on sale from $41,990 with a choice of trim levels and powertrain options.
Jeep Compass 2.4L CVT $41,990
Jeep Compass 2.4L limited manual $44,990
Jeep Compass 2.4-litre petrol CVT $46,990
Jeep Compass 2.0-litre CRD manual $48,990
