Jeep Compass 2010 News

Jeep reveals more details and powertrain offerings of the new Compass at its Los Angeles motor show public debut.

Jeep has finally revealed its compact SUV replacement, unveiling the all-new Compass at its new assembly plant in Brazil.

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced overnight that the Jeep Compass and the Chrysler Town & Country – known here as the Grand Voyager -- would be dead in two years.The decision is part of a series of money-saving moves to remove product overlaps and give brand clearer identity, differentiating more between Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, plus the new separated Ram and SRT sub-brands spun off in the US.The Jeep Compass is virtually a Jeep Patriot under its skin, while the Grand Voyager is an up-specced version of the Dodge Grand Caravan sold in overseas markets.The Grand Voyager minivan – a category Chrysler claims to have started -- will eventually be replaced by a smaller crossover-type vehicle, possibly keeping the Town & Country nameplate in the US at least.However in the interim the Dodge version will be the only minivan/peoplemover in the Chrysler line-up around the world.And that could mean a gap for Australia, where Chrysler is also considering dropping the Dodge brand – currently represented here only by the Dodge Journey SUV-styled peoplemover.Chrysler Australia spokesperson Lenore Fletcher says the death of the Compass and Grand Voyager would be a “natural” one. “In talking about the Compass, that would be part of the natural turnover cycle – the product life cycle,” she says.However Fletcher could not confirm whether Australia would be on the map for the dying models’ replacements. “Obviously that section of the market is in a very healthy state, and we’re keen to remain in it,” she says.“Naturally we’ll be looking at whatever products become available and evaluating their suitability to the Australian market. I don’t think we’re going to be without product.“We are really at the moment looking at the Chrysler and Jeep line-ups – we’re just about to launch the Chrysler 300 -- and we’re very positive about our volume expectations in the next 12 months.” 

Great names often don't translate into great vehicles and such was the case with the Jeep Compass. Great name, average vehicle. But there's a revised model in the offing featuring two petrol engines and a new corporate face derived from the handsome Jeep Grand Cherokee. Is it enough to lift Compass to a more respectable position in the compact SUV pecking order? Maybe. There are about a dozen choices or more in the segment but Jeep thinks the new Compass has what it takes, especially with the weight of the Jeep name behind it. Compass sells from an extremely accessible $26,500 for the base model. THE RANGE We get Sport 2.0-litre, 4x2, five-speed manual (optional CVT auto), Sport 2.4-litre, 4x4 with the same transmission choices as well as Limited 4x4 with the 2.4 engine and CVT only. Both engines are petrol. TECHNOLOGY Chrysler/Jeep has been a leader in automotive media connectivity and such is the case here if you go for the Limited model. Sport scores U-Connect multi media and also what's called EVIC - Electronic Vehicle Information Centre which is essentially a trip computer with additonal features. Cabin air quality is aided by a replaceable filter and remote keyless entry is included. ENGINES The four cylinder engines are not from the latest and greatest Fiat inventory (Fiat owns Jeep). There's a carry over 2.4 litre petrol and a newly added  2.0-litre petrol four. Neither is turbo boosted. They feature variable valve timing but not direct fuel injection. The 2.0-litre is good for 115kW/190Nm while the 2.4 is good for 125kW/220Nm. A 2.0-litre turbodiesel previously available has been dropped but another diesel is under consideration. Fuel economy for the two petrol units varies between 7.6-litres/100km for the manual 2.0 up to 8.6 for the 2.4 CVT. UNDERNEATH Compass rides on a passenger car chassis and has strut front suspension, multi-link rear and rack and pinion steering with a decent 10.8 metre turning circle. Brakes are discs all round and the suspension features stabiliser bars for better handling and drive feel. Towing capacity with a braked trailer is between 1200-1500kg. Wheels are 17- 18inch alloys with a full size spare (Sport). OFF ROAD Obviously, the front wheel drive isn't for off road driving but the 4x4 should be quite adept having 205mm ground clearance and a clever, on-demand all wheel drive system with a lock-up function. The 4x4 system is called Freedon Drive and puts power mainly to the front axle with the rear engaged as needed. SAFETY Compass' crash rating is four stars in the US. To get six air bags, you'll need to tick the options box - four bags are standard. It gets electronic stability control and a range of other systems including roll-over mitigation and hill start assist. INSIDE The Limited gets all the fruit including leather, premium Boston Acoustics audio and a power adjust drivers seat but standard kit is generous. Satnav is optional in both grades and Bluetooth phone is optional in the Sport. A range of options is available particularly audio choices. VERDICT New Compass is a much better looker than the previous model and more relevant with the 4x2 targeting city buyers. Pity the diesel has gone. Should have six air bags as standard, rake and reach steering adjust and Bluetooth. NEED TO KNOW Revamp of previous model Adds 2.0-litre engine variant Front wheel drive availability Turbodiesel under consideration Adopts new corporate "mask." JEEP COMPASS Price: from $26,500 Engine: Sport 2.0-litre, Sport 2.4-litre, Limited 4x4 2.4-litre Transmission: five-speed manual (optional CVT auto) Outputs: 2.0-litre 115kW/190Nm, 2.4-litre 125kW/220Nm Thirst: 7.6-litres/100km for the manual 2.0 up to 8.6 for the 2.4 CVT

The new Jeep Compass features a stronger, more masculine look, with cues from the Grand Cherokee. The new model boasts a host of interior refinements, with soft touch points and high quality materials along with improved ride and handling characteristics courtesy of upgraded steering and suspension systems. While the details are yet to be confirmed, it will have more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows. Expected to arrive later in the year the new Compass will continue to sell alongside its cousin the Patriot with which it shares the same platform and drive trains. Along with the Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee, the pair will complete the freshest and most impressive Jeep range to ever be offered in Australia It's the perfect way to wrap up the brand's 70th anniversary.

Unveiled in Detroit, the Compass has been given a new look and new fuel-focused power plant, a 2.0-litre ‘World Engine’ which Jeep says will give it 10.2 L/100km in the city

The wagon - Jeep's first production attempt at an SUV - has been revealed wearing new clothes that overcome the bland appearance of its predecessor.