New Jeep Compass

Jeep's new Compass is out and about.  The old model was never a hot seller because it was very small and I suppose people don't look to Jeep for this sort of vehicle. Still, it wasn't a bad drive and nicely quirky in the Jeep way.  Here's the revision, and there's no sign of the similar but slightly differently bodied Patriot version either.  I think Jeep realised that Aussies don't like terms such as "Freedom Drive" (yes, really, to describe their drivetrains) and that's why they've dropped Patriot and gone wtith Compass.

Did you notice something about the car?  If you didn't, here's Jeep to tell you:

Adding an element of muscle, the bonnet has been enhanced with a subtle power bulge. The result is a vehicle that projects an attitude that is much more serious and conveys the Compass’ capability in all weather and driving conditions.

Yes indeed. 

The Compass can tow 1500kg braked, has no low range but will have the full range of electronic driving aids and safety gear.  Expect a 4 or 5 star safety rating. There is no 7-seater either, and there's no groundbreaking new features or anything particuarly special.  Or if there is, it's been missed off the press release.

However, a lack of new features isn't bad if the old ones are done well.  Jeep tends not to forget they are a 4WD maker, and the Patriot/Compass has always been pretty good off the beaten track.  Looks like that'll be carried over here:

This [tranmission] is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

Good to see it's constant AWD as opposed to 2WD and on-demand AWD, and even better to see that lockable centre coupling. The pricing isn't bad either as you can see below. 

So where does the Compass fit?  If you want a small 4WD you should check it out, it'll be an interesting alternative to the rather bland me-toos that dominate this segment.  But because of that it'll also be a little oddly Jeep, and you'll either love it or hate it.  Either way it'll be worth a look.

Technical Specifications

2.4L DOHC 16-valve I-4 VVT Petrol (Limited or Sport models)

Fuel consumption (L/100km) Manual / CVT

2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4 VVT Petrol (Sport model)

Fuel consumption (L/100km) Manual / CVT

Pricing*

¹⁾ Supplemental front seat side air bags, heated front seats and tyre pressure display
²⁾ Boston Acoustics MusicGate Power® sound system, Uconnect Phone, CD/DVD/HDD Navigation Radio
*Base Vehicle Price excl government changes & dealer delivery