The ugly duckling of the Jeep range, the Jeep Compass, has been given a facelift to make it more SUV-like and less car-like.
Is there a car with a more gutsy, macho heritage than a Jeep? It’s the vehicle that for decades has moved US armies across vast terrains. And thanks to its pedigree, it’s still got kudos when driven by a yummy mummy heading down to do her weekly shop at Superquinn (just about).
Thanks to a revamp, this is now even true in the case of the Jeep Compass, previously the poor relation to the bigger, meatier Grand Cherokee but now restyled to make it more SUV-like and less car like. which will be heading to these shores by the summer of next year.
This week the 2011 Jeep Compass was unveiled in the States, and it’ll be heading to these shores by the summer of next year.
It boasts a sophisticated new front-end design with cues taken directly from Jeep’s flagship model, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee making it, well, grander and ensuring that it looks less like the Popemobile than the model it’s replacing.
There’s a new bonnet, bumper, wings, fascia and new quad-reflector headlamps, while the rear is updated with a new spoiler, rear fascia and LED tail-lamps.
To complete the revisions Jeep has added new roof rails, rubbing strips and a fresh range of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Upgrades
Interior upgrades include new soft-touch door trims, a new centre armrest, a new steering wheel and new upholsteries. Standard equipment on all Jeep Compass models includes air conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control and stability control.
Jeep has revised the Compass’ steering and suspension for improved ride and handling, too, and while North American models remain powered by the familiar 2.0- and 2.4-litre petrol units, European versions get a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that offers considerably improved performance, economy and CO2 emissions compared to the current 2.0-litre unit. The aim is to make the engine sufficiently economical to ensure that the Jeep Compass will qualify for VRT Band C.
The engine is not the only place where the European model will differ slightly from the North American version. The version we get will come with a sportier front bumper and a chassis that is better tuned to suit our small and often winding roads.
The launch in the States comes just as it has been announced that Italian manufacturer Fiat have taken over the Jeep and Chrysler brands in Europe.
Nick Bradshaw
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ podcast – listen to the latest episode now!
