Jeep Compass Longitude 2017 Review

Jeep Compass Longitude 4x4 2.0-litre

International Preview Drive,
Pernambuco, Brazil

My mobile rings at lunch time. On the other end of the line the press officer blurts out unceremoniously: "Want to drive the new Jeep Compass? If so, be in FCA [Fiat Chrysler Automobiles] office, in São Paulo tomorrow morning at 8:30."

Blunt invitations like this, border on a court summons; they simply don ´t give you any chance to say 'no'. So, there I was, the following day, ready to rev up the Longitude variant of the all new Jeep Compass... A vehicle we've already dubbed 'Baby Gran' – referring to its physical similarities to big brother, the Grand Cherokee.

As the test took place weeks before the global launch, a back-of-beyond location was found – well away from prying eyes. We settled on a hidden circuit in São Paulo's rural Tuiutí.

There were to be no leaked images. No photos were to be posted prior to today, September 28. The state secret was so well guarded that it felt as we were on the way to get a glimpse of one of America's new military weapon systems.

But far from a state secret, the new generation Compass will eventually be produced all around the world: at FCA's Goiania plant in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco, as well as Mexico, China and India. It's a very non-aligned product, in global terms.

The car on test was a Compass Longitude 4x4, powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 350Nm and coupled to an automatic transmission. Diesel variants in Brazil are trimmed to Longitude and Trailhawk specification. The Jeep enters the Brazilian market as the sole model in its peer group offering diesel power, but in Australia it will face competition with that drivetrain option in the form of Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, to name a few.

For the Brazilian market, the Compass range will also include a front-wheel drive bio-fuel version based on the 2.0-litre Tigershark petrol engine – another four-cylinder. This engine should cope readily with our E10 fuel in Australia.

Jeep claims the diesel Compass can knock over 0-100km/h in around 10 seconds. That's not the sort of performance to bowl you over. But Jeep also claims the Compass will reach a top speed of 194km/h. Fuel consumption is leavened by the Jeep's idle-stop system, but could be better.

FCA has worked wonders in refining the Multijet turbo-diesel and the four-cylinder powerplant is now almost inaudible below 1000rpm. Across the board, in fact, the Compass is a significantly quieter car than the smaller Renegade. There's no rumble from the driveshafts, as is the case with the smaller Jeep.

With nine gears for the auto to choose from, the Compass transmission feels busy, even under light load, from low speeds. But despite the automatic swiftly shifting up, it feels smooth all the same. Shift paddles are standard for all diesel variants and provide a bit more fun.

This particular vehicle came with Select Terrain, a facility also offered in the larger Grand Cherokee. Different off-road modes reconfigure the traction control, transmission and engine calibration to suit mud, sand or snow. Flagship Trailhawk models also offer a rock setting.

But since we're limited to a brief run on paved road, we won't be needing that today.

During the test, there were none of the 'generous' holes we've come to know from São
Paulo's streets, so I couldn't test the ride quality.

And it wouldn't necessarily translate to Australian anyway. Jeep has developed a specific suspension calibration for the Compass sold in Brazil. Body roll was noticeable in tighter turns and handling clearly plays second fiddle to ride comfort.

Traction and stability control systems woke up early when provoked by my driving, but the Compass is a family wagon, not a car designed to set new records around the Nurburgring.

Electrically-assisted steering has been praised and criticised in equal measure. At low speeds it is extremely light and comfortable, while at higher speeds... it continues to be extremely light...

Finished in Pacific Blue, the Jeep looked striking and received the blessings of the few motoring journalists present. Absolutely nothing about the new model recalled the wishy-washy style of the previous Compass. The contours are strong and stately. The earlier generation of Compass hinted at flimsiness – something that a Jeep must never convey to buyers.

Measuring 4.41 metres in length (with wheelbase of 2.63 metres), the Compass is outgunned by the humble Honda Civic for space between front and rear axles, but the Jeep compensates with its 410-litre boot space.

Inside, the detailing was stylish – as indeed it should be for R$99,990 (Brazilian Real, equivalent to just over A$40,000).

While the test vehicle was fitted with optional leather-upholstered seats, the primary soft-touch material inside is a combination of plastic and rubber, all of which conveyed a pleasant tactile sensation.

Build quality showed no evidence of flaws or burrs. Everything harked back to the smaller Renegade's design, but with a slightly more refined look. Like the leather trim, the test vehicle's sunroof is optional in Brazil, but may be offered as standard in high-grade variants for the Australian market.

The driver's seat is electrically adjustable, and the steering column can be adjusted manually for reach and rake. More importantly, for the price and in this market sector, the Compass features keyless starting, which will hopefully make it on the standard equipment list for Australia.

Kit in the test vehicle included dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, central locking, power windows, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). Plus there are twin front airbags, ISOFIX child safety seat anchorage, hill start assist, 18-inch alloys and cruise control. The infotainment system comprises an 8.4-inch touch screen with satellite navigation. Disappointingly, the Compass doesn't offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay compatibility.

An optional Safety Pack for Brazil introduces side-curtain airbags and a kneebag for the driver. We expect these features will likely be standard in Australia.

Expected to remain an option in Australia – or possibly standard for higher-grade variants – the Premium pack includes leather upholstery, an upgraded audio system, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. The last two items on that list may be hived off from the option pack to the list of standard equipment for Australia.

In conclusion, forget the old Compass. The 'Baby Gran' is another car and this time deserving of wearing the Jeep badge. It's roomy and well equipped, with competent mechanicals for the target buyer.

And nor should one think for a moment that the new Compass and the Renegade are somehow alike. Differences exist – and thank goodness, more than a few...

Price: TBA
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 125kW/350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: TBA
CO2: TBA
Safety: Six airbags