Compass heading Down Under

Jeep will re-enter the urban softroader market later in 2011 with the arrival of the facelifted Compass. Restyled to resemble the brand's latest Grand Cherokee, the new Compass also benefits from a complete interior makeover.

Like its twin under the skin, the Patriot, the Compass is essentially a front-wheel drive platform with drive to the rear wheels provided by a viscous coupling. In this respect it is similar to most Japanese and Korean compact softroaders but differs substantially from larger Jeeps which feature longitudinally-mounted engines and more traditional four-wheel drive systems.

In its first iteration Compass was not well received Down Under. Its styling was a modern urban translation of Jeep's traditional DNA but it did not strike a chord with many buyers. The latest version is a much more handsome car.

Jeep sales chief, Veronica Johns, believes the new Compass will have wider appeal. She says she expects the new model to attract a higher percentage of female buyers.

CJD boss, Clyde Campbell, told motoring.com.au that he expected the new vehicle would deliver new buyers to the marque. In a year that is shaping up as a record for the operation in Australia nonetheless, the Compass will arrive too late to make a significant contribution, but that won't be the case in years to come.

"All the growth in the Australian market is in the under 2.5-litre segment. Compass gives us another vehicle in this important area," Campbell said.

According to Campbell his company will seek to separate the Patriot and Compass in terms of pricing as well as target market. He says Compass will offer a 2.0-litre drivetrain option. Currently Patriot is delivered Down Under powered by a 125kW 2.4-litre petrol engine and a choice of manual and CVT (auto transmissions).

At this stage the company has no plans to reintroduce a turbodiesel option in either of its compact SUVs, Jeep insiders said.

Though Jeep has confirmed Compass will arrive later this year it is not commenting on pricing or equipment levels. It has, however, flagged the potential of a front-wheel drive version of Compass (and other models -- see separate story) to take on existing 4x2 offers from other brands.

With the strong Aussie dollar, Chrysler Jeep Dodge Australia (CJD) has recently re-priced a number of its models. With this in mind, expect a very competitive offer when Compass does arrive.

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