Compass goes in right direction

So much has happened since the ‘original of the species’ first came to life that we don’t know ourselves with the ocean of SUVs hitting our streets. Jeep are, of course, the pioneers of the SUV vehicle – that’s why, like calling our vacuum cleaners Hoover, we still refer to big 4×4 as Jeeps – and now everyone is at it in some form or other.

Ahead of its arrival, Jeep Ireland is telling us about its latest SUV, the new Compass. It will have a starting price of just €27,995 for the 120 horsepower 1.6 MultiJet Diesel engine, which they say is outstanding value for money and it will hit the forecourts in January.

A new car from the ground up, the Compass promises to offer an unmatched combination of attributes including contemporary but authentic Jeep design, an array of advanced user-friendly connectivity and safety technologies, excellent on-road driving dynamics, open-air freedom and legendary, renowned 4×4 off-road capability.

Here in Ireland, the Compass engine range includes three diesel engines and a petrol 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo engine – delivering 140 horsepower at 5,000rpm in combination with the six-speed manual gearbox and 4×2 configuration.

Alongside the 1.6-litre MultiJet engine delivering 120 horsepower will be a 2.0-litre MultiJet engine delivering 140 horsepower, both mated to the six-speed manual transmission, with the latter coming in 4×4 configuration.  A higher output version of the 2.0-litre MultiJet engine delivering 170 horsepower in combination with the nine-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 configuration completes the engine offerings available on the all-new Compass.

Three equipment levels of Jeep Compass are offered here too: Sport, Longitude and Limited. The Sport version’s standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, leather steering wheel with audio controls, air conditioning, cruise control, forward collision warning plus, lane departure warning plus and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.