7 February 2011
The Compass is the first new vehicle of the year from American manufacturer Jeep, and it's leading them into territory previously uncharted by the brand - now synonymous for its rock hopper 4WDs.
Normally quite comfortable off the beaten track, Jeep is hoping to reach a whole new demographic with the Compass by venturing down the well-sealed path of the soft-roader.
Jeep New Zealand is well aware of the loyal off-road enthusiasts that make up it's current client-base. They were relieved when the newest addition, despite its smaller dimensions and less rugged ability, was well received by their most hard core fans at an unveiling during this year's 'Jeep Jamboree' an annual all-terrain excursion, designed to test the medal of any Jeep product and their owners.
Jeep purists worried the brand may be going soft can rest assured Jeep hasn't lost its way, and will of course continue making and selling the full-size SUV's with genuine off-road skills for which it's renowned.
The Compass is built on a platform shared with the Dodge Caliber and targets the compact crossovers such as Toyota's Rav4, the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Honda CRV. But unlike Japanese counterparts that tend to err on the 'safe' side of the styling envelope, the Compass offers city-dwelling lifestylers a distinctly different and contemporary look. The rather unconventional angular frontal treatment may not to be everyone's tastes however.
The cutesy round headlamps and signature seven-slot grill though ensures the Compass is unmistakably Jeep, paying homage to the classic Willy's Jeep and Cherokee designs. The rear end and beefy wheel arches also draw resemblance to some of the Compass' bigger brothers.
Under the hood resides the same 2.4 litre petrol or 2.0 litre common rail diesel (CRD) power units found in the Dodge Caliber, delivering 125kW and 103kW respectively.
Benefiting from a healthy 310Nm of torque from a low 1750 rpm the diesel is likely to be the pick of the engine offerings when it arrives later in the year, though we doubt it will be the most popular. Unlike the petrol which is offered with the choice of manual or CVT automatic transmissions, the diesel is only optioned with a six-speed manual and three pedaled variants of any vehicle suited to urban use - if using sales records as a gauge - are typically the less city-friendly of the two cog swappers.
The additional 90Nm of torque from the diesel power units means it's unable to be mated with a CVT transmission.
Power is distributed by an all-new full time four wheel drive system called 'Freedom drive' - the name probably goes down better in the States than in this part of the world. Naff name aside it's one of the most advanced all-paw systems in the class.
Freedom drive tools around town happily, supplying just the front wheels with torque the majority of the time in the interests of fuel economy. In slippery conditions the Compass distributes the engine's might to all four when wheel spin is detected. For navigating really traction-testing surfaces such as mud or snow, the centre differential can be locked electronically by the driver, delivering torque to front and rear axles equally. All standard fare these days for any four-wheel drive worth its salt.
The Compass's Freedom drive system takes the next step and unlike its competitors the 4WD lock mode will not automatically disengage at 50 or 60 km/h. It can be used on up to any speed without risk of the wheels binding as the vehicle turns, one major drawback of locking the differentials in other systems. It acutely disengages and reengages the lock according to steering angle.
Another point of difference to the class is the adoption of Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), a hand-me down from larger Jeep product. ERM detects sudden weight transfer and lateral g-forces that occur should the vehicle want to tip during aggressive swerving manoeuvres, it will regulate the throttle and apply braking force to the necessary wheels to combat rollover.
Two specification levels are available, the entry-level petrol is available with CVT transmission only while the Limited gives the choice of CVT or manual. The CRD variant comes in just top spec guise.
Interior decor is carried over from the Caliber. Even the $41,990 base model includes features like a rechargeable torch that doubles as the interior light, bright fabrics and i-Pod connectivity or optional Boston Acoustics audio with flip-down tailgate speakers.
Geared towards the younger outdoorsy type, they give the Compass a sense of 'cool' that few can match, but fail to detract from the overuse of hard plastic and rather unimaginative contours inside the cabin.
The Limited version adds larger alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seating and tinted rear glass making it an attractive entry to the soft road segment at $44,990 for the five-speed manual, $46,990 for the CVT. The gruntier and more fuel effcient diesel powered Compass carries a $2000 price premium over its petrol counterpart, it will set you back $48,990.