The traditional brand wants to use the new Compass Jeep play a more important role in the compact SUV class than before. The five-door model, which is visually based on the larger Grand Cherokee, is only 4,39 meters long and surprises with its pleasing design. In contrast to the competitors from Korea, Japan or France, the sophisticated all-wheel drive technology of the more expensive versions also enables trips into rough terrain. The Compass will come to Germany in autumn 2017.
With the new Je Compass, the traditional brand that is now part of the Fiat group brings the wind of adventure to the smaller SUV class. It replaces both the somewhat angular predecessor and the chubby patriot and brings spice to the uniform range of countless would-be off-road vehicles from almost all over the world.
Tin dress does not necessarily indicate that the Italian American is unique. The front end traces the face of the large Grand Cherokee, the rest of the body is not significantly different from other compact SUVs. As is so fashionable nowadays, the roof slopes slightly backwards, bulges above the wheel arches are due, as elsewhere, to the right to a pinch of robust, rustic quality. At the rear with the roof line ending in a kind of spoiler, the Compass could not be recognized as such either.
If there wasn't so much air between the top of the wheels and the rim of the fenders. This indicates a feature that sets the Compass apart from most of its competitors. With corresponding pride, brand boss Mike Manley emphasizes the generous ground clearance of a good 20 centimeters, which is what makes a real off-road vehicle. "With its ability to deal with difficult terrain, the Compass sets new standards in its segment." Manley is by no means exaggerating. Depending on the model, the small Jeep has real off-road technology such as gear reduction, adjustment options for various surfaces such as snow, sand or mud, or even crawling over small boulders. He can also wade through 48 centimeters deep water.
The Jeep boss also knows that, especially in Europe, hardly any of his customers deviate from the fixed path in everyday car life and will always try to have firm roads under their wheels. Then why the expensive technology, which only shows its strengths in exceptional cases such as snow chaos, flooded roads or diversions over muddy natural roads. Unquestionably more security. For a brand like Jeep, off-road skills are just as important as for Porsche the lap times during test drives on the Nürburgring, which no later customer will ever top. At least Jeep wants to offer its customers the opportunity to buy a real off-road vehicle.
So it's only logical that four-wheel drive is not a compulsory program for the Compass. Every engine can also be ordered with front-wheel drive. The engine program for Germany is not as certain as the prices. Since the Compass is on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade, which is 14 centimeters shorter and also quite successful with us, the range of engines is likely to be similar. There will probably be a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines with a power range from 103 W / 140 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. It is rather unlikely that the 2,4 liter petrol engine 134 HP / 180 HP preferred in the USA will find its way into German Compass models. Depending on the motorization, drive and equipment chosen, the prices will probably range between just under 30.000 and a good 40.000 euros. Since the Compass will only be sold in Germany in September, the German governors still have enough time to find prices.
Then the price list will offer some subtleties that further burden the bank account. There are various assistance systems to choose from, including a distance radar, emergency braking function or lane keeping assistant. You can choose from three sizes of the navigation monitor, of course the 21,3 centimeter screen is the most impressive and also works well with smartphones of the two large systems. The colored information system for the driver is always on board and spreads a good 17 centimeters directly behind the steering wheel. The smaller models are supplied with a 6-speed manual switch, the stronger models with a nine-speed automatic. A 6-speed double clutch can also be ordered for individual versions.
Since the Compass can also boast a pretty handsome interior that ensures comfort despite the permissive use of plastic, it is perfectly fit for long tours. The trunk is also suitable for everyday use with up to around 1.700 liters (with the rear seats folded down). The newcomer will certainly develop into the sales primacy of the Jeep class, since the Renegade is too small for many and the larger Cherokee is a price and size class higher. Not to mention the expensive luxury SUV Grand Cherokee. The Jeep managers only have to hope that the now awakened interest in the Compass will last for the next 10 months until the start in Germany. (Peter Maahn / SP-X)