Jeep Compass

Jeep finds new direction

Jeep is planning a greater presence in Australia in 2007 launching four all-new vehicles that will expand the iconic four-wheel drives brand stable to seven. The first of these new vehicles to hit the road is the brand’s first compact sport-utility vehicle Compass.

The company claim Compass, which landed in Australian dealerships in mid-March, will bring a new sense of adventure to the compact SUV market by combining the packaging and functionality of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact vehicle.

Compass is available with either a fuel efficient diesel or petrol powertrain. A 2.4lt petrol engine with dual variable valve timing (VVT) is coupled to a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. This engine produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT.

A Volkswagen-sourced 2.0lt TDI four-cylinder diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual is also available. In keeping with the advanced design of the Compass the 2.0lt turbo diesel engine offers such features as an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, belt-driven dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and a variable-geometry turbocharger.

The newest Jeep will be available in both Sport and Limited models. And with an affordable starting price of $32,490 (recommended retail) for the Compass Sport 2.4-litre the company is confident of attracting new customers to the brand.

Managing director for the Chrysler Group in Australia Gerry Jenkins said the Compass is a new type of Jeep vehicle for a new type of Jeep buyer.

"Jeep styling has been described as many things but "sleek" hasn’t traditionally been in the mix. That's exactly what Jeep Compass is however, sleek and modern yet incorporating signature Jeep features like round headlamps and a 7-slot grille," Jenkins said.

"The innovation doesn’t stop there though. Jeep Compass is also the first Jeep vehicle to offer Freedom Drive active full-time 4WD and a fully independent suspension."

"As a result Jeep Compass will attract many buyers who have never previously considered a Jeep vehicle."

"We expect there to be a growing demand for SUV's. The Compass with its fuel economy, ride comfort, plenty of room and efficient packaging means that the Jeep brand is ideally placed to meet this."

"Customers are increasingly interested in family hatchbacks with four-wheel drive systems as they offer better handling and enhanced safety on the road. The Compass fits the bill and is designed to reach younger customers who may not have previously considered the brand but value the distinctive Jeep look," said Jenkins.

The Jeep Compass comes standard with a new 4WD system Freedom Drive, a full-time and active 4WD system that offers the driver tangible benefits in every day driving conditions such as a wet and slippery tarmac. The car operates in front-wheel drive for 90 per cent of the time and automatically switches to 4x4 when more traction is required.

Freedom Drive features a lockable coupling giving Jeep Compass drivers the ability to handle even rougher weather conditions and low-traction surfaces.

Jeep Compass will be joined by a second compact SUV the Jeep Patriot later in 2007, and all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models. This will increase the brand’s stable to seven models in Australia joining the mid-sized Cherokee, flagship Grand Cherokee and seven-seat Commander.

» Click here for CarPoint's further news & reviews articles on the Jeep Compass