Jeep: Compass Guiding Jeep to the Future

At a closer inspection you can clearly see where the inspiration for the new Compass came from. And from the looks of the new Compass design you can see that it is inspired by Dodge Caliber styling.

The development of the Compass makes sense to its owner DaimlerChrysler which has been experiencing slow sales and wants to recapture the runaway sales enjoyed by other automakers in North America by selling four-cylinder, light SUVs such as RAV4s, CRVs, and even Foresters. The upward sales trend of the aforementioned vehicles was the result of the ever increasing fuel prices and safety concerns which are further reinforced by the sensible idea for using light SUVs instead of its full-sized counterparts.

It is no secret that the Jeep?brand was, in the past years renowned for its war-winning General Purpose 4x4s and Tonka-tough full-sized SUVs. And in order to be competitive the Jeep?brand realized that it has to shift its design direction to soft-road which other automakers are employing currently. In fairness to Jeep, it has embraced the soft-road concept with an overwhelming enthusiasm and this was shown with its launching of not one but two light SUVs: The Compass and the slightly traditional but bolder looking Patriot (both having the same foundation and will be presented in New Zealand in the coming months).

Everything about the Compass?styling is an acquired taste. Its strong reversed rear pillar treatment and big, flared, squared-off wheel arch blisters and even the bonnet wraps that it has over the headlamps is similar to those found on the Cherokee. The traditional seven-slot Jeep grille completes the overall designed of the Compass.

The Jeep Compass just like the Caliber is powered by a 2.4-litre, DOHC, four-cylinder engine which was shared with one-time partners Mitsubishi and Hyundai which employs their very own versions of the unit to power their Sonata and Outlander models.

The basic Compass makes use of a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic transmission that revs up a power output of 125kW at 6000rpm and 220Nm of potent torque at 4500rpm. This is made possible by the dual variable valve timing chain driven for endurance.

In addition, a manual-only version that comes with VW-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel is scheduled later in the year. The best thing about the manual-only version is the fact that it is fuel efficient and records only 6.5 liters for every 100km traveled or 44 mpg. When on the highway its fuel consumption figures reach only 5.4 liters for every 100km traveled or 52 mpg while for city driving the its fuel consumption is 8.3 liters for every 100km traveled or 34mpg. The six-speed 2.0 liter turbo diesel multi-valve engine which is the latest common rail design delivers 103kW on tap and 310Nm of torque from 1750 to 2500 rpm.

The staple engine of the Compass is also the first new petrol developed by Jeep in decades and a real smoothie especially when kept below its redline although you can hear it makes a rather gruffly sound especially when its high in its revolution range. And in keeping with Jeep's long tradition of quality vehicles, the Compass will be equipped with only the best auto parts that DaimlerChrysler is manufacturing like for example its Jeep brake rotor which is tested for quality and durability.

The Compass is also equipped with what Jeep calls its Freedom Drive 1 set-up which functions on and off the road. Another ability of the Drive 1 is its ability to sense when additional traction is needed and in the process send more drive to the axle that can best fix it. The front and rear axles together can also be locked electronically to enhance traction especially in difficult and low traction conditions. Other features of the Compass includes: front and side airbags, standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), ABS braking, and Electronic Roll Mitigation System.

The Compass is also equipped with standard car seats upholstered with material called yes Essentials?which is not only stain and soil resistant but also an anti-microbial fabric that rejects discoloring and odors. For the Limited Compass model the leather trim and heated front seats are offered as standard features.

The price for the Compass with CVT automatic-only is $41,990 while the Limited leather-upholstered Compass the base price is $44,990 with CVT an additional $2000 is required. The manual �only diesel will cost $48,990.

Lisa Ziegler is a 29-year old native of Waldport, Oregon and is currently working as a senior research analyst in a top Automotive Research Consultancy firm.

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Jeep: Compass Guiding Jeep to the Future

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