The Jeep Compass arrived in Europe via Geneva. We got to know the brand's new mid-range SUV, a model that will be a crucial part of Jeep's global ambitions.
Introduced last year in Los Angeles, the Jeep Compass now debuts in Europe, making its presence felt at the Swiss show.
Jeep's mid-range SUV will be rivaled by the leader Nissan Qashqai, the recent Peugeot 3008 and the Hyundai Tucson, among others. The segment continues to grow, so Jeep, the brand that gave rise to SUVs as we know them today, could not be left out.
If currently there are proposals in the segment that do not even provide four-wheel drive, the Jeep being the Jeep, will make available in the Compass two AWD (All Wheel Drive) versions.
The most complex will be exclusive to the Trailhawk versions, optimized for off-road. It features increased ground clearance, redesigned bumpers – increasing attack and exit angles – and extra armor to protect the crankcase and transmission. It also stands out for having part of the hood in black, in order to reduce reflections on the windshield.
The Trailhawk's four-wheel drive system adds a driving mode optimized for “climbing” rocks and changes the management of the nine-speed automatic gearbox, with the first gear simulating a gearbox. In the name of efficiency, both Compass AWD systems allow you to disconnect the rear axle when not needed. The offer is complemented with versions with just two drive wheels.
Compass draws inspiration for its design from the Grand Cherokee, but it is from Renegade that it inherits the platform (Small US Wide). This was stretched in length and width, benefiting the internal dimensions. The Compass is 4.42 m long, 1.82 m wide, 1.65 m high and 2.64 m wheelbase.
Engines for Europe
In Geneva, the range of engines and transmissions for the European market was introduced. The access level to the Jeep Compass will be made with versions with only two drive wheels and six-speed manual transmission. The engines available are the 1.6 liter Multijet diesel with 120 hp and 320 Nm and the 1.4 liter Multiair2 petrol, turbo, with 140 hp and 230 Nm.
Going up a step we find the Diesel 2.0 liter Multijet with 140 horsepower and 350 Nm, and the 1.4 liter Multiair2 with 170 hp and 250 Nm. They can either come with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, but now with traction four wheels.
The top engine, for now, is in charge of a 170 hp version of the 2.0 liter Multijet – it will only be available with automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It is the engine and transmission of choice for the Trailhawk.
Inside we can find the fourth generation of Uconnect, the infotainment system available in multiple FCA models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be present and Uconnect will be available in three sizes: 5.0, 7.0 and 8.4 inches.
The Jeep Compass will be a true global workhorse for Jeep. The SUV will be available in over 100 countries and will be produced in four different locations: Brazil, China, Mexico and India. The Jeep Compass arrives in our market this year, although a specific date has not yet been made available.
