If you’re not in the market for Jeep’s bigger and more expensive Grand Cherokee, but a more compact version, you might be interested in the facelifted Compass.
The main difference is at the front, where the nose of the Grand Cherokee has been adopted. The side profile and rather square wheelarches is similar to that of the previous Compass, but the rear LED taillamps, the interior, rear spoiler and wheels are some of the other updates.
Chrysler Group LLC, the parent company of Jeep, will offer only a single engine model for the South African model line-up. A 2,0-litre petrol that develops 115 kW at 6 400 r/min and 190 N.m at 5 000 r/min is connected to a five-speed manual transmission. It might also come as a surprise to some buyers, and Jeep enthusiasts, that the new Compass will only be offered in a front-wheel drive version.
It is with this transmission and front-wheel drive combination that Jeep claims a combined fuel figure of only 7,6 L/100 km. A CVT (continuously variable transmission) will become available later this year.
Options include an Uconnect media centre with iPod connectivity, a sunroof and a premium audio system for music lovers.
In terms of safety, the Compass has ABS brakes and ESC (electronic stability control).
Priced at R269 990, Jeep includes a three-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.