THE idea of a Jeep that is not four-wheel driven may seem alien and we have no doubt that, like a brother in jail, it is something the more hardcore members of the Jeep faithful would rather not discuss around a campfire, but it does make sense …
Purchasing cost, fuel efficiency and a love of rugged SUV styling are some of the major forces at play in the automotive market. Combine these considerations with the fact that most SUVs are hardly ever driven off-road and that road conditions are generally deteriorating, and you have to agree: a compact SUV with a low sticker price and some gravel-road ability makes sense. Just look at the staggering sales success of the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage.
Although the Compass is not a newcomer to the South African market, this latest, significantly facelifted version seems to be far better in tune with what shoppers currently want. Although a very economical turbodiesel variant is offered in Europe (and we predict eventually here, too), only a 2,0- litre petrol 4×2 derivative is currently on sale in South Africa. It is also only available with a single specification level. But that’s good news, actually.
Priced at just under R270 000, the Compass comes with such niceties as leather upholstery, heated front seats, a comprehensive audio system, climate control and electric everything. Jeep offers a few optional extras, too, including a sunroof, and an even more premium audio system with iPod connectivity.
It also – and this is important in badge-conscious South Africa – comes with the Jeep name, and we think this will count heavily in its favour in terms of showroom appeal, especially now that the Compass shares much of its handsome styling with the large, macho Grand Cherokee.
Compared with its predecessor, however, the new model’s biggest step forward has happened in the cabin. Of course, the vehicle still shares its basic architecture with the much-maligned (but similarly recently improved) Dodge Caliber, and borrows much of the latter vehicle’s facia. It makes for a far neater and more upmarket-looking interior. Driver comfort is good, the seat offers a decent range of adjustment (electric), and the steering column is rake/reach adjustable. Due to a low seating position and narrow glass area, some testers felt a bit claustrophobic behind the wheel, however.
There’s also plenty of space on offer, even for rear passengers, but boot space isn’t great, measuring only 192 dm3 with the rear seats in place. Total utility space with the rear seats folded is also not hugely impressive at 1 168 dm3.
Under the bonnet nestles a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 115 kW at 6 400 r/min and 190 N.m of torque at 5 000.
Power goes to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
The engine is no fireball as evidenced by the relatively slow 0-100 km/h time of 11,1 seconds and similarly unimpressive overtaking acceleration performance (120-140 km/h is best not attempted in top gear; you simply have to gear down). The maximum torque is only available high up the rev range and, as a result, gearing down is also required when faced with steep hills in an urban environment.
But Jeep has certainly worked hard on drivetrain refinement. Compared with Jeeps (Patriot and previous Compass) and Dodge Calibers that have come our way, the latest Compass is quieter, smoother and an altogether more relaxed drive. Even the transmission seems better than before and conducive to calm motoring. If you are of a similar mindset, the Compass is an enjoyable vehicle. If you’re in a hurry … get up earlier.
The ride quality and noise insulation seem to have been improved, too. Jeep says the steering and suspension systems have been upgraded and you can feel it. There are modifi ed spring and damper rates, added rebound springs and a rear anti-roll bar of increased diameter.
The two-wheel-drive setup has obvious benefits at the fuel pump, because there’s less mass to lug around and reduced friction and inertia. Our fuel-index fi gure (worst-case scenario) for the Compass stands at 9,12 litres/ 100 km, but we easily bested this fi gure in a real-world fuel run by achieving 8,6 litres/100 km.
The safety package is sound, too. The Compass comes with six airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic roll mitigation and Isofix child-seat anchorages. In our emergency braking test (10 stops from 100 km/h), the Compass achieved an average stopping time of 3,07 seconds, achieving a “good” rating.
TEST SUMMARY
The Compass faces strong rivalry, not only from traditional SUVs, but also from the growing crossover segment and particularly a vehicle such as Nissan’s Qashqai. Although we admire the Jeep’s upgraded cabin and vastly improved refinement, it still falls short on engine power and boot space. That said, it’s a much more convincing option than before and, should the allure of the Jeep badge prove too hard to resist, you’ll not be buying a bad car.
