Jeep has shown off its new Compass SUV, a hugely important model for the company. The outgoing Compass has sold more than 2.6 million vehicles since it was first launched in 2006. Despite its age, the Compass found more than 124,000 buyers across Europe last year.
So this is a big deal?
Oh yes. Jeep has never really taken off in a big way in Ireland, but that may just change with this new model, as it grows in size to take on the likes of the big-selling Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. Not only that, but the Compass will now come with a full lineup of power options, from a simple hybrid to a long-range plug-in hybrid to multiple fully-electric versions, including a rugged 4xe four-wheel drive model.
How far will those electric models go?
For the moment, Jeep is claiming a maximum range of up to 650km on one charge, which will be for the front-wheel drive 213hp version, using the biggest available 98kWh battery pack. There will also be a smaller-battery version, as per its cousins from Peugeot, Citroen, and Opel, which all use the same STLA Medium platform, with a 73kWh battery and a range of up to 500km.
At the top of the Compass range will be an all-wheel drive 4xe version, designed to provide the sort of off-road prowess that goes with the Jeep name. With a total output of 375hp, the 4xe uses a 49kWh rear-mounted electric motor with 232Nm of torque. However, Jeep claims that thanks to a trick 14:1 reduction gear for that motor, it can deliver bursts of up to 3,100Nm of torque at the wheels, meaning that the Compass can surge up a 20 per cent slope even if the front wheels aren't able to find traction.
What about charging?
The EV versions of the Compass will be able to charge at up to 160kW on DC fast charging power, allowing for a 20-80 per cent top-up in 30 minutes. There's also the option of 22kW AC charging for the fastest possible charge-up times when using slower kerbside charging points.
And the other engine options?
The Compass range will kick off with the familiar 1.2-litre hybrid petrol engine, now upgraded to 145hp, and there will be a 195hp plug-in hybrid too, based around a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, with enough battery capacity for a claimed electric range of around 80km.
What about off-roading?
While it's debatable how many European customers seriously put this kind of thing to the test, Jeep is determined to ensure that the Compass meets the brand's standards for off-roading performance. To do that, Jeep's engineers say they were given quite a bit of leeway to modify the STLA Medium platform underpinnings, to give the Compass rough-road performance that would be alien to, say, an Opel Grandland or a Peugeot 3008.
So, there's up to 200mm of ground clearance, and the Compass can wade through as much as 470mm of standing water. The front and rear overhangs have been trimmed so that the Compass can climb and descend steeper slopes.
What's the interior like?
As with its Stellantis sister models, the Compass goes heavy on touchscreens, with a ten-inch instrument display for the driver and a large 16-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. There's an optional head-up display too, and the system can receive over-the-air software updates to keep everything at the cutting edge. The Compass will be much more practical than the outgoing version, too — it has a longer wheelbase, leading to a 55mm improvement in legroom, and there's a substantial 550 litre boot, plus another 34 litres of storage space around the cabin.
It's quite handsome, isn't it?
Yes, it is. Jeep says that it's avoided self-consciously retro design, although there are the usual nods to the company's heritage with the seven-slot grille. Many of the exterior plastics use dyed-in-the-mould tech so that they're scratch resistant, and the 4xe version gets bumpers which are more heavily cut-away for a more aggressively off-road-y look. Jeep has even moved the mounting of the front-mounted radar unit (which runs the adaptive cruise control and the autonomous emergency braking system) so that it won't get damaged if you bash into a rock or a tree while off-roading.
Fabio Catone, Head of Jeep Brand in Enlarged Europe, said: “The new Jeep Compass boldly represents the brand's forward-thinking philosophy, highlighting our dedication to not only meeting today's market demands but also anticipating tomorrow's opportunities. This vehicle is the perfect expression of the Jeep ruggedness and performance, delivering state-of-the-art solutions while preserving our commitment to electrification and sustainability. Crafted for outdoor adventures yet perfect for everyday use, the new Jeep Compass stands as a powerful testament to our relentless pursuit of innovation and versatility, designed to meet the diverse needs of customers around the world.”
Will the Compass cost more because of Trump's tariffs?
No, not directly at least. While Jeep is, of course, very much an American brand, it is part of the vast Stellantis Group, which is headquartered in Europe. The Compass is actually being built at the former Fiat factory in Melfi, in southern Italy. The first customer cars should be delivered before the end of this year.