2017 Jeep Compass – full details of the compact SUV

Jeep® Compass Trailhawk

Jeep® Compass Trailhawk

The new 2017 Jeep Compass was already revealed in September, but we’ve now got full details of the rejuvenated compact SUV. A global model, it will be built in Brazil, Mexico, China and India, and is slated to go on sale in North America in the first quarter of next year, before reaching over 100 countries worldwide.

It’s a handsome thing, taking the best cues from the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Renegade. It ditches the Cherokee’s controversial dual-tier headlights, wearing more conventional GC-like items; the clamshell bonnet also gives a more rugged appearance. The optional blacked-out roof – reminiscent of the Renegade – is a particular cool touch, while the rear features slim LED tail lights.

Meanwhile, the interior is par for the course for newer Jeeps, with a trapezoidal centre stack housing vertical air vents that flank the Uconnect infotainment system. The latter is available with either 5.0-, 7.0- and 8.4-inch touchscreens, along with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and SiriusXM radio.

Jeep® Compass Limited

Jeep® Compass Limited

Ahead of the driver sits a driver information display (DID), showing data through either a 3.5- or a 7.0-inch screen, the latter said to be the largest in the segment. Other options include a dual-pane sunroof that provides the largest possible opening, as well as a powered tailgate.

Built on Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA) small-wide architecture, the Compass benefits from fully-independent suspension, segment-first frequency damping front and rear and electric power steering. The body uses 65% high-strength steel to improve vehicle dynamics, crash performance and weight efficiency.

Globally, the Compass will be available with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. Only one of them has been detailed so far, a 2.4 litre Tigershark four-cylinder petrol mill, the only option for the North American market. Equipped with MultiAir II variable valve timing, it produces 180 hp and 237 Nm; with this engine, the Compass is capable of fuel consumption as low as 7.8 litres per 100 km.

Jeep® Compass Trailhawk

Jeep® Compass Trailhawk

Three transmission options are available – a standard six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic for 4×2 variants and a nine-speed auto for the 4×4 models. Speaking of which, there are two four-wheel drive systems available, the first being the Jeep Active Drive full-time system that is able to send 100% of torque to each wheel. Included is a power takeoff unit (PTU) for reduced fuel consumption and a Selec-Terrain system.

The off-road-oriented Trailhawk model comes standard with Jeep Active Drive Low, incorporating a 20:1 low-range ratio. Also added is an extra Rock setting for the Selec-Terrain system, Selec-Speed Control with Hill Descent Control, a 76 mm higher ride height, unique front fascias providing increased approach and departure angles and 17-inch wheels with off-road tyres.

Safety-wise, the Compass is available with seven airbags, stability control with electronic roll mitigation, a ParkView reverse camera, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • AutoFrenz (the original) on Nov 21, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Assemble here and make it competitive in terms of pricing…since it competes with crv kuga cx5 and the likes price should be around rm150k…the current one sold at rn250k is ridiculous…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 0
  • passion on Nov 21, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    looks like subaru xv. nice.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

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