The muscular arches and legendary brand design are all present in the new Compass but is has it got enough to lure you from the competition
The Jeep Compass is an attractive SUV featuring iconic features that makes the Jeep brand design so legendary. With its sleek and aerodynamic profile, the seven-slot grille to the molding that wraps dramatically around the entire length of the vehicle giving the Jeep Compass an upscale and unique look. The new Compass from Jeep is available with three diesel engines and one petrol. The 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo petrol engine (from €30,145) has 140hp and comes in front wheel drive only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Diesel options for the new Jeep Compass include the 1.6-litre MultiJet (from €27,995) with 120hp or 140hp. Both variants are mated to the six-speed manual transmission, with the latter coming in 4×4. There’s also a powerful 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel with 170hp and a nine-speed automatic transmission with 4×4.
Both petrol and diesel engines make the same power with the diesel producing more torque, and their performance isn’t much different one from the other. The suspension seems to be set up for carrying five passengers and a full boot. When travelling alone or with two aboard this can feel evident, especially at low speed. As you put some more km/h under the tyres, it’s actually a well-controlled and acceptable ride at motorway speeds.
There’s lots of traction with the Compass, useful on wet roads or tight bends. If thinking to take the Compass off-road you won’t be doing it in our front wheel drive test car. However, there is a four-wheel drive option that comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that will certainly do the job but whether you want the increased costs or not is something for you to consider.
The interior feels well-made and looks good. The dash looks a little busy with many of the functions on the infotainment screen being duplicated on real hardware switches, including the climate controls. The infotainment system is a decently generous 8.4-inch screen. It’s responsive and has logical clear menus. It’s the first outing for the fourth generation of what Fiat-Chrysler calls UConnect, and it’s a significant step from the last generation.
Cabin room is class-competitive, and if you want more there’s always the Cherokee. The quality of the trim and materials is well up to the rivals. The front seats are well-contoured and supportive. The driving position is good and comfortable. In the back adults will be comfy, although they won’t be able to stretch. They get air vents, reading lights and 12V and USB sockets to keep devices charged and passengers happy.
The Jeep Compass is offered in Ireland in three trim levels: Sport, Longitude and Limited.
Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, leather steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, cruise control, forward collision warning plus, lane departure warning plus and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.
Longitude specification adds 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, dual zone air conditioning, rear park distance control, reversing camera, power folding exterior mirrors, 8.4″ infotainment/navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and keyless entry and go.
Limited trim adds 18″ alloys, halogen projector headlamps, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, heated steering wheel, a 560W BeatsAudio infotainment/navigation system, dark tinted privacy glass, front and rear park distance control, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection and parallel and perpendicular park assist.
Conclusion
The Compass is good-looking and roomy SUV. It has good screen-based connectivity and entertainment. It has plenty of character and you don’t get tired of that Jeep look. It competes with all in its class but may get overlooked. I’d advise if look for a mid-sized SUV be bold and consider the Jeep Compass to stand out in the very popular family crossover segment.
Technical Specification
Model Jeep Compass Limited
Engine Size 1.6-litre Turbo Diesel
Power 120hp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Torque 320Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h) 11 seconds
Top Speed 185 km/h
Consumption 4.4/100km
CO2 Emissions 117g/km
Road Tax €200 per year
Base Price €27,995
Our Test Model €38,345
