After a first performance in Los Angeles and later in Geneva, Lisbon was chosen to show journalists the missing piece in Jeep's global ambitions: the new Jeep Compass.
Limited is the state-of-the-art version in terms of standard technology and equipment.
In this second generation, the bet on the European market is clearer than ever, and comes after a good moment for Jeep – the American brand has been a true success case within the FCA universe, having registered consecutive growth in the last 7 .
With the introduction of the new Compass, Jeep thus completes its offer in Europe with an SUV that enters directly into one of the most competitive but also fastest growing segments.
In the middle is virtue?
Positioned between the Renegade and the Cherokee in the Jeep range, the Compass assumes itself as a medium SUV in Europe – Americans call it a compact SUV. And if the platform (Small US Wide) is the same as the Renegade, when it comes to aesthetics, Compass was stealing inspiration from the Cherokee.
On the outside, Jeep designers have strived to maintain the brand's heritage, visible mainly in the front grille with seven inlets and the trapezoidal wheel arches. The luminous signature has been radically revised, as has the rear section, with higher lines. Compared to the previous model, the roof's descending line gives it a sportier style, an appearance that is generally more consensual and that fills our measurements. And speaking of them: 4394 mm long, 1819 mm wide, 1624 mm high and a wheelbase of 2636 mm.
Inside, the similarities to the Cherokee continue. The choice of materials and equipment confirm the model's aspirations, especially in the Trailhawk version with red accents all over the cabin.
The trapezoidal frame of the center console reverts to the characteristic lines of the Jeep, concentrating fun buttons in a somewhat confusing way at the bottom. As for the space in the rear seat and in the luggage compartment (438 liters capacity, 1251 liters with the rear seats folded down), there is little or nothing to point out.
The new Jeep Compass has more than 70 active and passive safety features, including collision alerts, blind spot monitoring, reversing camera and electronic stability control. For added protection, the Compass benefits from a "safety cage" construction with over 65% high strength steel.
After the presentations, we were able to put to the test the Trailhawk version with a 2.0 Multijet engine of 170 hp and 380 Nm, equipped with a four-wheel drive system and a nine-speed automatic transmission. We started by testing the version best suited to off-road incursions precisely… on an urban circuit. Even so, the Diesel engine proved to be pleasantly competent, without any major noise and providing a smooth ride. The steering, although heavier and less sensitive than the segment's rivals, is precise and gives a good cornering feeling.
When going from cruising to a more hurried mode, the engine may seem a little lazy given the smoothness of the 9-speed gearbox, but the 170hp and 380Nm are there and making themselves felt – if the doubts persist, just give it a try. take a look at the speedometer.
“The most suitable off-road vehicle in its class”. Will be?
In the case of a Jeep, what most aroused our curiosity were the Jeep Compass's all-terrain skills, especially in this Trailhawk version. And here the American SUV makes use of two intelligent systems of permanent all-wheel drive, conveniently named Jeep Active Drive and Jeep Active Drive Low. Both manage to transmit all the available torque to any of the wheels, whenever necessary – this management is done through the selector on the center console that allows you to choose 5 modes – Auto, Snow (snow), Sand (sand), Mud (mud) and Rock (rock). All very beautiful. But… and in practice?
In practice, we can say that Jeep wasn't exaggerating when it praised the off-road performance of its new model. In this new generation, Compass treats potholes and boulders by “you”, without major surprises, even on the steepest ascents and descents and on the “tight paths” of the Serra Sintra Natural Park.
More than the adventurous look, the increased ground clearance (by 2.5 cm), the underbody protection plates and the angles of attack and departure in this Trailhawk version are a differentiating aspect of the Compass in relation to the competition. With the added bonus that the electronic decoupling on the rear axle allows for consumption typical of a front-wheel drive model. The best of both worlds.
Arrives in October in Portugal
Already with many months of commercialization on the other side of the Atlantic, the Jeep Compass arrives in the main markets of the «old continent» as early as next month with two petrol and three diesel options. The launch in Portugal is only scheduled for the month of October, with prices still to be revealed.
The engine 1.4 MultiAir2 Turbo will be available in two power levels: 140 hp (coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox with 4×2 traction) and 170 hp (coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission with 4×4 traction).
In the Diesel variant, the Compass has the engine 1.6 MultiJet II 120 hp (6-speed manual gearbox and 4×2 traction) and the 2.0 MultiJet II 140 hp (4×4 drive with a 9-speed automatic or 6-speed manual). The most powerful version of 2.0 MultiJet II (and that we were able to test) debits 170 horsepower , combined with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 traction.
