Jeep has finally launched the new Compass in Europe. The new
Compass is a key addition to Jeep’s European range, enabling the brand to
expand into one of the most popular segments in the region, a segment that is
expected to grow by around 20 percent by 2020.
Euro-spec Compass models will be available with two
petrol and two diesel engine options for a total of eight powertrain
combinations. Jeep will also offer four different trim levels: Sport,
Longitude, Limited and the off-road oriented Trailhawk which claims to offer
class-leading capabilities when the asphalt stops.
Entry-level petrol models are powered by the
turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir2 engine which makes 140 Hp and 230 Nm of peak
torque in combination with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox,
and 170 Hp and 250 Nm of peak torque in combination with the nine-speed automatic
and all-wheel drive.
Customers will be able to choose between the
1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MultiJet diesel engines; the first one comes with 120 Hp
and 320 Nm in combination with a six-speed manual and front-wheel drive while
the second one comes with 140 Hp and 350 Nm of peak torque in combination with
either the manual or the nine-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.
Jeep will also offer a range-topping 170 Hp version
of the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine which will be available only with the
nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A 2.4-litre petrol version with 150 Hp
and 184 Hp will be sold in other markets like Russia, Africa and the Middle
East.
The new Jeep Compass will also be available with two
full-time 4x4 systems: the Jeep Active Drive and the Jeep Active Drive Low, the
latter featuring a 20:1 crawl ratio. Both systems will feature up to five
different modes: Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud, plus the Trailhawk exclusive Rock
mode.
The Trailhawk version of the new Compass will also
feature an increased ride height by 2.5cm, skid plates, red rear tow hook,
unique front and rear fascias that allow a 30-degree approach, 24.4-degree
breakover and 33.6-degree departure angles along with a set of 17-inch off-road
tires.
Based on FCA’s ‘small wide architecture’, the new
Jeep Compass comes with fully independent suspension and segment-exclusive
frequency damping front and rear struts. Jeep also says that the chassis has
more than 65 percent of high-strength steel for better dynamics and safety.
Inside, customers will be given the chance to choose
between a Uconnect infotainment system with either a 5.0-, 7.0- or a 8.4-inch
display. The driver’s instrument cluster features either a 3.5- or a 7.0-inch
LED display, with the latter being standard on Limited and Trailhawk models.
The range of driver assistance systems is
predictably wide and includes Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense
Departure Warning-Plus (both standard across the whole range in Europe), Blind-spot
Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with
dynamic grid lines, Automated Parallel and Perpendicular Park assist, Adaptive
Cruise Control, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll
mitigation and six standard air bags.
Major European markets are the first ones to receive
the new Jeep Compass this July, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain,
Austria, Belgium, Switzerland and Poland. Jeep will gradually introduce the new
model in the rest of the European markets by early 2018, when the right-hand
drive version will also debut.