This is the new Jeep Compass. It was recently unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show and just looking at it, it looks like a massive step-up in compact adventure for the brand with a stout presence, rugged styling and a thirst for the great outdoors. It will also write the next Compass chapter for Jeep, with likely more twists and turns than a George Martin tale.
The compact SUV will slot in between the fashionable Renegade and Cherokee in the carmaker’s product lineup and will be powered globally using a total of five engines – three petrol and two diesel. Engines will, however, be allocated depending on market demands.
The Compass will be available in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels with three gearboxes on offer. 4×4 Models can be had in either a nine-speed automatic or six-speed manual, while 4×2 models will send power to the wheels via the same six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
It will be clever off the beaten track too. Off-road models will boast the Jeep Active-Drive full-time 4×4 system that features the Jeep Selec-Terrain program that allows the driver to select the appropriate setting for the respective terrain. This includes; Snow, Sand, Mud and an Auto override.
Trailhawk models will boast the more ‘advanced’ Jeep Active Drive Low program which features an additional rock crawling mode. It will also have a bit more adventure capability over other models, with an increased ride-height and scuff plates for added protection, and no doubt, visual appeal.
It will be manufactured in Brazil, China, India and Mexico, and will be exported to more than 100 countries.