2012 Jeep Compass Review
Jeep chose the upmarket Portsea Polo event - the playground of Melbourne's rich and famous - to launch the new SUV. While Range Rovers and BMW X5s were prominent in the carpark; Jeep as the major sponsor of the polo took the opportunity to introduce the well heeled to its latest soft roading option.
The Compass shares the family DNA of the Grand Cherokee and comes with sharp pricing and introduces the first 2WD Jeep to the Australian market.
Just 4x4s drove the entry-level Jeep Compass Sport model with 2.0-litre petrol engine and CVT automatic transmission.
The Compass is offered with 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, each mated to a choice of manual or CVT transmission. While the Compass is offered with a diesel alternative in overseas markets, there is no word from Jeep on the engine being offered here - certainly not in the short term.
Jeep Compass model range
The Compass is available in two model grades: Compass Sport and Limited.
Five variants are available, with the entry-level Sport 2.0-litre 2WD manual priced at a very attractive $26,500 (plus on road and dealer costs).
The two 2.0-litre Sport variants (manual or CVT transmission) are only available with front wheel drive. Stepping up to the 2.4-litre Sport, both manual and CVT variants come with 4WD. The top of the range model is the Limited 2.4-litre 4WD CVT auto priced from $34,000.
The 2WD Sport models are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 115 kW and 190 Nm of torque, and returns a combined cycle average of 7.6L/100km for the manual or 8.2L/100km for the automatic. The 2.4-litre engine produces 125kW and a usable 220Nm of torque and uses 8.5L/100km for manual and CVT variants.
Compass models use the second-generation CVT2 continuously-variable transmission that Jeep says offers improved response and improved economy by up to 8 percent when compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.
Model range:
Sport 2.0-litre 2WD manual $26,500
Sport 2.0-litre 2WD CVT automatic $28,500
Sport 2.4-litre 4WD manual $28,500
Sport 2.4-litre 4WD CVT automatic $30,500
Limited 2.4-litre 4WD CVT automatic $34,000.
Optional extras include metallic paint at $450, tinted glass at $400, Uconnect phone connectivity at $450 and a power sunroof at $2,000 (the later three options being standard on Limited models).
It is disappointing that safety is not as high a priority as it should be, with the Compass available with only four airbags (dual front and curtain). Sport buyers need to shell out an extra $800 for front side airbags and Limited customers $550. Included in this optional Safety and Comfort package is heated seats and tyre pressure display. A reversing camera is not available - even as an option. Available only for Limited models The Technology Group 2 Package priced at $2,750 adds a premium Boston Acoustics MusicGate audio package with Uconnect phone, CD, DVD, hard disc and satellite navigation.
All Compass models are equipped with electronic stability control, front driver and passenger active head restraints, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, all-row side-curtain air bags, anti-lock disc brakes, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat and sunscreen glass.
Standard features on all models include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power/heated exterior mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, 17-inch aluminium wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, illuminated cup holders, a removable (rechargeable) torch, and outside temperature display.
Limited models add leather-trimmed front and rear seats, heated front seats, 6-way driver power seat adjustment and manual lumbar support adjust, 40GB touchscreen CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with Uconnect phone, auto-dimming rear view mirror, deep tint sunscreen glass, 18-inch aluminium wheels, automatic temperature control, and bright exhaust tip.
Towing capacity for the Compass is 1500kg.
On the road
The Compass is an attractive package that looks good, and styling wise is streets ahead of its Patriot stablemate. Our test vehicle was an entry-level 2WD fitted with CVT auto transmission and Safety Package.
The driver's seat is manually adjusted and the height adjustment will not suit all. There is no steering column reach adjustment, nor a left footrest. The windscreen is set back with a wide dash, but forward vision is generally good. Wide roof pillars hinder the rear view. Instrumentation is clear and controls easy to use. The 6-speed autostick transmission - with triptronic selection - angles away from the dash and contributes to a neat cabin layout. Interior finish and choice of materials are still on the hard and plastic side, although a later inspection of the topend Limited model was far superior, with soft leather and better choice of interior materials.
On the road the 2.0-litre engine needs to work and Jeeps predictions of the popularity of the 2.4-litre engine over the 2.0-litre are likely to be right. The Compass cruises quite comfortable on the highway, with the most annoying aspect the amount of engine and road noise that intrudes into the cabin. The CVT revs noisily under acceleration, and when pushed through corners and across corrugations handling and stability seemed amiss. Also of concern was braking response which at times needed to be brutally applied to pull the Compass up. Steering is light and predictable and there is perceptible body roll through corners.
Our vehicle was not equipped with Jeep's Freedom Drive full-time active four-wheel drive system with lock mode, which enables drivers to lock torque distribution equally to front and rear axles. Having recently tested the system in a Jeep Patriot, I am sure the system is every bit as efficient in the Compass.
Summary
To be a main player in the compact SUV market, your product obviously needs to be on the mark. The Compass, while a massive step forward over the past model, still does not match it in many areas with the market leading SUVs. Externally the carryover of the Grand Cherokee styling is refreshing and as a basic package ticks many boxes. Its major strength is its price point, but in many regards the Compass is a compromise alongside more advanced platforms with its generation gap evident. Notwithstanding it will win friends for its sharp pricing, 4x4 ability and overall proposition as an urban people mover.