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JEEP COMPASS – IT LOOKS LIKE A JEEP, BUT IS IT REALLY A JEEP?

by Leisure Wheels

20 October 2011

road Test                                                                                                                                                            JEEP COMPASS 2.0 LIMITED

 Turning a (slow) new page

 There is a general consensus in the motoring fraternity that you don’t get bad cars anymore, just ones that are better than others. Some punters, though, still reckon the original Jeep Compass should be classified as “a bad car”. We put the latest Compass through its paces to see where it slots into the bigger picture of good or bad

 

A couple of decades ago, a marketing executive promoting the idea of two-wheel-drive Jeeps and Land Rovers would have been laughed out of corporate headquarters.How the world has changed. So, along with diesel-powered Porsches, we now accept without so much as a batted eyelid the thought of Jeep and Land Rovers that not only drive just two wheels, but the front ones, nogal. Soon we’ll be doing 4×4 driving courses by correspondence.

Of course, two-wheel-drive means less complexity, less cost, less weight and more space in the cabin. It’s the way to go if you want to build a compact SUV-lookalike.

And so to this update of the Jeep Compass Limited, which has been missing from local price lists since early 2010 and is now back and very clearly positioned as the entry point to the brand.

In the past, the Compass and Patriot ranges overlapped price-wise, with a shared 2,4-litre petrol powerplant and 4×4 drivetrain sans low-range adding to the confusion.

The “new” Compass redraws the lines more clearly.

But it is more than a little ironic that, at the moment Jeep is celebrating its 70th anniversary, the company introduces a two-wheel-drive version to the South African market for the first time. Still, the logic is flawless: It’ll bring access to a wider audience, and one which probably loves the idea of owning an iconic brand and may shop further up the brand’s food chain when the next purchase decision is made.

 

Features and equipment

****

Despite it being unashamedly a (very) soft-roader, it now looks more like a Jeep than before – and in particular more like the new Grand Cherokee, thanks to a bolder seven-slot grille and a headlight design which mimics big brother to a tee. The lights are also more efficient, thanks to a high output projector lamp design.

The front fenders and bonnet, now with a bit of a power bulge (a misnomer, as we shall see later) are also revised and the new look is definitely one of sleekness and maturity, aided by roof rails which are slimmer. The profile is largely unchanged, including the rather clumsy-looking reversed D-pillar and bulged wheel arches, which look a little too large for the modest track.

As before, rear door handles are hidden in the C pillar. Rear lights with LED globes add a modern touch while a colour-coded spoiler atop the hatch improves the looks, but it still isn’t pretty around the rump area. A new style of wheel – now 18-inch across – completes the picture.

Under the bonnet there’s Jeep’s two-litre World Engine, credited with 115 kW and an on-par 190 Nm, but at a heady 5000r/min. A five-speed manual is currently the only transmission option.

As far as safety goes there is no evidence of any short cuts being taken, and this Yankee has a six-pack of airbags, a full house of braking hardware, and a variety of stability-enhancing electronic technology.

Listed at R269 900, the Compass is entry-level price wise but doesn’t disappoint in terms of specifications, including an impressively long maintenance plan.

 

Accommodation

***

As far as look and feel go, the cabin of the Compass is a very pleasant place to pass the time. In fact, it has a surprisingly upmarket feel, with lots of nice texture such as the door capping and dashboard, and a steering wheel which is easy on the eye. It is also cleverly designed in terms of integrating a wide range of auxiliary controls.

We particularly like Jeep’s habit of placing the sound system’s volume control toggle switch behind the spokes.

Space for oddments is generous. We liked the soft lighting of the cupholder rings and the backlighting of switchgear, creating a pleasing night-time ambience.

But we found some of the ergonomics irritating. A lot of button-pressing is required to access menus, and the Bluetooth, while it obeyed pairing commands quickly and easily, wouldn’t transfer calls from phone to car with certain handsets.

The seats look a little flat and unyielding but they proved to be adequately comfortable on long journeys, once the rather clumsy lumbar support had been cranked up. And the seat-warmers operate surprisingly quickly.

Rear space is so-so in terms of legroom, but the narrowness of the cabin is what will limit its appeal as transport for a family of five. The 60/40 split gives the cabin the expected degree of versatility, and there’s a reasonably low floor.

With the rear pews folded, a decent 1168 litres is liberated, putting it close to the Sportage/iX35 duo and quite well ahead of the Qashqai. The passenger seat can also be tipped forward for carrying long loads. But in terms of standard luggage space, the Compass really loses its way and trails the field with a minimum volume of just 192 litres up to the top of the seats. That’s just not enough for this kind of car.

 

Performance

**

The Compass provides proof that a 0-100 km/h acceleration figure is largely meaningless, especially in this market segment where traffic light racing isn’t on the agenda.

Using all of its 6700r/min, it takes about 11 seconds to get there – just one-tenth slower than a two-litre Kia Sportage. So it’s not off the pace and, surprisingly, there’s even a hint of sporty torque steer when accelerating hard off the line. So the performance department seems ship-shape. But it isn’t. When it comes to everyday driveability and flexibility, the Compass is miles slower, and it’s almost hard to believe that this engine has variable valve timing on both camshafts. It just doesn’t have anything low-down or in the mid-range, and if you haven’t got more than 4000r/min on the tachometer you’re on a hiding to nothing.

Be prepared to be overtaken by Avanza panel vans on the hills and accept that 1300 VW Citi Golfs will outwit you in traffic. This is one of those cars you have to drive on momentum. In other words, don’t lose speed because it’ll take an age to get it back, so don’t bother using the cruise control.

At a true 120km/h in top, the engine is turning over at 3000r/min and that, even with just one person in the car, means the merest hint of a gradient results in a loss of speed and – sure enough – the need to change to fourth. Fortunately the cable-operated gearbox has a positive feel, so gear changes take place with minimum delay, and the long and upright lever is positioned close to the leather-lined wheel.

Braking performance was very good. The pedal is easy to modulate and behaviour under emergency conditions is totally predictable.

 

Ride and handling

****

Jeep says there have been extensive changes to the spring and shock rates and characteristics. There’s also a fatter rear anti-roll bar — a change that should theoretically reduce understeer.

The result is a car with sweet and predictable handling and if they set out to make it very car-like in its overall characteristics, they’ve succeeded.

A mix of front MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear, with settings that lean towards sportiness but seldom result in harshness, make for a car which generally goes where you point it immediately, and without much body roll.

Grip levels are high and the steering is quick enough, at just under three turns lock to lock, to give good feedback, thanks to hydraulic assistance. Jeep claims a 11,3m turning circle between kerbs, but it actually feels more nimble than that and the vehicle is very easy to park and manoeuvre.

Making its road manners more impressive is the fact that it doesn’t lack for ground clearance. Jeep claims 206mm and we measured a little more, so dirt tracks won’t be a problem. As with most soft-roaders, the tarmac-specific tyres (215/55s in this case) will be the limiting factor if the surface isn’t firm and dry. Approach and departure angles as measured by us are also better than claimed. And that’s a good thing.

Overall, though, driving the Compass leaves you with the feeling that you’re in a large hatch – which, ultimately, you are.

 

Conclusion

***

Our test session with the Compass included a 1000km jaunt on inter-provincial routes, but even before we hit the highway, we knew that the engine would be the Achilles Heel of what is in many ways a good package, selling at a very competitive price.

The styling and interior quality represent huge steps forward and the launch price makes it the most affordable car in the segment – yet it also has more equipment than its obvious rivals.

As a truly compact SUV wannabe, it ticks most of the boxes, but clearly not the one marked “driveability”.

Although the 115kW of power is ultimately there if you chase the smooth two-litre mill to the red line, the power delivery during normal driving duties will not be everyone’s cup of tea.

 

Team talk:

“They should have called it the ComePast, not the Compass. It is incapable of overtaking anything other than stationary trucks. More power please.” – Adrian Burford.

 

“Driving this Compass is a bit like driving a hot hatch hailing from the pre-turbo era – you have to rev the living daylights out of it to get anywhere. Once it goes, it goes okay, but I don’t want to drive a car as if I’ve stolen it. Overall, the Compass offers a lot of 4×2 SUV for the money, with a lot of standard gear.” – Danie Botha.

 

“I didn’t expect much from the new Compass, but it impressed me. The previous Compass was a disappointing vehicle that didn’t do justice to the Jeep nameplate. The new vehicle, however, is much better – though it’s in desperate need of more power. Jeep has produced a striking, affordable soft-roader that is a valuable addition to its range.” – GG van Rooyen

 

 

Quick glance

For: Well-priced overall package, nimble, successful “big-Jeep” visual cues

Against: Power to weight ratio, modest luggage space, small fuel tank

Verdict: Outgunned. And all the kit doesn’t really make up for it

Price: R269 990

Price as tested: R282 900

Service intervals: 12 000km (three-year/100 000km full maintenance plan)

Warranty:  Three-year/100 000km

Nice touches

  • Standard Bluetooth
  • Well-configured steering wheel controls
  • Hill holder for those who can’t get going on inclines

 

Niggles

  • Frequent service intervals
  • No luggage compartment cover
  • No reach adjustment for steering column

 

Rivals

Kia Sportage 2.0 4×2                               R274 995

Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta 4×2          R289 900

Hyundai iX35 2.0 GLS 4×2                   R279 900

 

ENGINE

Type                               Transverse, in-line four cylinder

Valvetrain                   DOHC, four valves per cylinder

Displacement              1998cc

Bore x stroke               86mm x 86mm

Max power                  115 kW @ 6400r/min

Max torque                  190 Nm @ 5000r/min

Fuel supply                  Fuel injection

Fuel required               93 octane petrol

 

CHASSIS AND BODY

Layout             Front-engined, front-wheel-drive

Frame              Monocoque construction

Brakes

Front                 Ventilated discs

Rear                    Discs

ABS/EBD/BAS          Yes/yes/yes

Wheels                   18-inch alloy

Tyres                       215/55 R18

Steering               Hydraulically-assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle       11,3m

Suspension

Front:  Independent. MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar

Rear:    Independent. Multi-link with coil springs, anti-roll bar

DRIVETRAIN

Transmission type                     Five-speed manual

Traction/stability control      Yes

Limited slip diff                           No

Differential lock                         No

Full-time 4WD                            No

 

Dimensions

Mass as tested (kerb mass)                  1469kg

Length                                                          4404mm

Width                                                             1760mm

Height                                                            1631mm

Wheelbase                                                    2635mm

Front track                                                   1520mm

Rear track                                                     1520mm

Fuel tank                                                        51 litres

 

PERFORMANCE

Top speed (claimed)                185 km/h

Acceleration

0-100 km/h                                11.1sec

0-120 km/h                                15.6sec

Flexibility

60-100 km/h (4th)                  14.2sec

80 -120 km/h (5th)                 36.7sec

 

Overall fuel consumption        9.9 l/100 km (estimated)

Estimated tank range                 515km

Braking (100 – 0 km/h)

Best                                                  2.90sec

Worst                                              3.31sec

 

OFF-ROAD 

Approach                                   24.8 degrees

Departure                                  36.9 degrees

Ramp breakover                     161 degrees

Ground clearance                   225mm

 

 

FEATURES

Foglamps f/r                                                 Yes/Yes

Height/reach adjustable steering        Yes/No

Height adjustable driver’s seat              Yes

Tuner/CD player                                          Yes

CD shuttle                                                       Yes

Air-con/climate control                           Yes/Yes

Satellite navigation                                       No

Electric windows f/r                                     Yes/Yes

Adjustable exterior mirrors                      Yes

Remote central locking                                Yes

Cruise control                                                  Yes

Alarm/Immobiliser                                       Yes/Yes

Leather upholstery                                        Yes

Driver/passenger airbags                            Yes/Yes

Sidebags/curtain bags                                  Yes/yes

Seatbelt pre-tensioners f/r                         Yes/No

ISOFIX tethers                                                 Yes

Roof rails                                                            Yes

Tinted windows                                               Yes

Full-sized spare wheel                                   No

Luggage cover                                                  No

Towbar                                                                No

Electric sunroof                                               R11 000

Air suspension                                                 No

 

 

 

 

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