2018 Jeep Compass With the Multiair Engine
A FAMOUS name, a rich heritage and now, under the guiding hand of the Fiat empire, Jeep have regrouped and are hauling themselves towards a brighter future.
And the models that are making most ground are the small SUVs rather than the traditional hulks powered by mighty engines. The nifty Renagade, based on the Fiat 500, is a runaway success and now the American icon hope the new mid-range Compass will follow suit.
In usual crossover fashion, there's a diesel range but it is the petrol version that could become a best-seller, one of which we drive here. The 1.4-litre petrol is available in two states of tune – 140hp and 170hp. The more powerful version is turbocharged and ours was fitted with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
About the size of other compact crossover rivals, the Compass is an attractively designed high-rider with plenty of Jeep styling cues, including the trademark seven-slot grille.
The cabin is roomy enough for four or maybe five and there's ample head and legroom. Many of the functions are controlled through the central touchscreen but there are various buttons and switches nearby. Materials used are of a decent quality and there's an air of robustness about the Jeep.
The boot platform is quite high set but has an adjustable floor. It offers up to 438 litres of cargo space – similar to that of its major rivals. The Compass is several inches longer than the Renagade and the extra space benefits the passengers with better legroom, particularly in the back.
There is no shortage of safety features on the Limited model, with six airbags, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection all standard. The large 8.4in touchscreen incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as vehicle settings and sat nav. Leather trim is a standard feature in the Limited.
The 1.4 turbo is a treat, with low noise levels and plenty of mid-range urge. It's pretty nippy, too, with 62mph coming up in less than 10 seconds. The automatic gearbox does a good job, changing smoothly and effortlessly.
Owners of the petrol model will be impressed with the level of refinement, compared with the diesel. My average fuel economy was 34mpg over a 500-mile period – the official combined figure is 40.9mpg, with CO2 emissions of 160g/km.
Despite being a competent off-roader, unlike the band of faux four-wheel drives that are commonplace, the Compass has capable handling and good road-holding on normal roads. There's only limited body roll when pushing on and bump suppression is better than average, while the ride standard is up there with the best.
It's good to see Jeep once again represented in this busy arena and the characterful American icon is sure to draw a strong following despite the stiff competition.
Factfile:
- Model: Jeep Compass Limited 1.4 MultiAir II 170hp 4x4 Auto9
- Engine: 1.4-litre petrol
- Power: 170hp
- Top speed: 124mph
- 0-62mph: 9.5 seconds
- Average mpg: 40.9
- CO2 emissions: 160g/km
- Warranty: Five years/75,000 miles
- Price: £32,925
2018 Jeep Compass With the Multiair Engine
Source: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/jeep-compass-limited-14-multiair-13285363