Matt Brogan•17 Jan 2012

REVIEW

Jeep Compass 2012 Review

Name: Jeep Compass 2012 Review
Brand: Jeep

Jeep's revised Compass receives a new look, more equipment and a pair of new front-wheel drive models

Jeep Compass

Local Launch

Portsea, Victoria

What we liked

>> Grand Cherokee front-end treatment

>> Bolstered equipment levels

>> Competitive pricing

Not so much

>> Road noise

>> Lethargic CVT response

>> Rack rattle and stiff suspension

OVERVIEW

-- Compass styling’s 180-degree change of course

Jeep’s compact SUV has undergone a midlife facelift. Changes are plentiful, and see the model receive a significant styling refresh, additional equipment levels and a pair of front-wheel drive models expected to bolster its appeal in this highly competitive market segment.

The petrol-only Compass is now offered with a choice of 2.0 or 2.4-litre four-cylinder engines, each mated to a choice of manual or CVT transmission. The lower capacity model is a front-wheel-drive-only proposition, while the latter scores the benefit of full-time AWD. Ride, handling and steering tweaks underscore Jeep’s commitment to the improvement of vehicle dynamics across its ever-improving model line-up, while also maintaining the offroad capability for which the brand is renowned.

Cabin refinements include new softer touchpoints and improved material quality. Styling cues here, much like the vehicle’s exterior, are drawn from the brand’s flagship Grand Cherokee model, with similarly tasteful execution. Added equipment includes an optional Uconnect media centre with iPod connectivity, satellite navigation and nine-speaker Boston Acoustic audio package.

Important fuel-economy and safety improvements have also been made, which include a re-calibrated continuously variable transmission, improved throttle response, and, says Jeep, more than 30 safety and security features, including standard curtain airbags and stability control.

“The introduction of the new Compass is a key element in building the Jeep brand to new heights in Australia,” said Chrysler Australia CEO, Clyde Campbell.

“2012 will be a landmark year for the brand, with aggressive volume targets that Compass will drive to new levels.”

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

-- Cluttered company for competitive Compass

Compass is navigating a cluttered community of compact SUVs where, in pricing terms at least, it’s a case of kill or be killed. Styling and equipment, arguably, is just as important in a realm where badge cache and perceived lifestyle commitments are equally relevant. And, on paper at least, Compass ticks a good many boxes.

Available in a two model grades, Sport and Limited, Compass is offered from $26,500 for the 2.0-litre manual Sport. The self-shifting CVT model attracts a $2000 premium. Sport models with the 2.4-litre engine (and AWD) are priced from $28,500 and $30,500 for the manual and CVT variants respectively.

The CVT-only top-shelf 2.4-litre Limited is priced at $34,000.

Optional extras include metallic paint at $450, tinted glass at $400 (standard on Limited models), Uconnect phone connectivity at $450 (standard on Limited models), and a powered sunroof at $2000 (available on Limited models only).

A pair of option packages are also available, the Safety and Comfort Package, priced at $800 on Sport models and $550 on Limited models, and the Technology Group 2 Package priced at $2750 on Limited models only.

The Safety and Comfort Package adds side airbags (dual front and curtain airbags standard), heated seats and tyre pressure display; while the Technology Group 2 Package includes a premium Boston Acoustics MusicGate audio package with Uconnect phone, CD, DVD, hard disc and satellite navigation.

Standard features on all model variants include air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, central locking, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, illuminated cupholders, a removable (and rechargeable) torch and ambient temperature display.

Limited models add leather upholstery, heated front seats, six-way driver power seat adjustment and manually-adjustable lumbar support, a 40GB touchscreen audio system with Uconnect [Bluetooth] phone connectivity, electrochromatic rearview mirror, tinted glass, 18-inch alloy wheels, semi-automatic single-zone climate control, and bright-chrome rear garnish.

MECHANICAL

-- CVT, two fours and a five-speed stick

Compass is now offered with a choice of 2.0 or 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, each mated to a choice of five-speed manual or CVT transmission.

The lower capacity model is a front-wheel drive only proposition available in Sport models only. It outputs 115kW/190Nm from 1998cc displacement and returns a combined cycle average of 7.6L/100km for the manual or 8.2L/100km for the automatic. CO2 emissions are listed at 175g/km and 190g/km respectively.

The higher-spec engine displaces 2359cc and develops 125kW/220Nm, and is available in both Sport and Limited guise as a full-time all-wheel drive proposition. Despite its more athletic ability, 2.4-litre Compass models consume only slightly more fuel than the 2.0-litre CVT model at 8.5L/100km and 8.6L/100km for manual and CVT variants respectively. CO2 emissions are 201g/km (manual) and 199g/km (CVT).

Compass models are now offered with Chrysler’s second-generation CVT2 continuously-variable transmission, which Jeep says offers better launch response, smoother deceleration and improved pedal response. The reduced engine revolutions at mid-throttle, however, result in a lethargic response when overtaking which needs to be circumvented by using the manual (+/-) mode for swifter response.

Jeep says the changes to its CVT have improved fuel economy by as much as eight per cent when compared to an epicyclical four-speed automatic. A modern six-speed auto or dual-clutch would be better.

All-wheel drive Compass Sport and Compass Limited models feature Jeep’s Freedom Drive I full-time all-wheel drive system which features a 4WD 'lock' mode for better grip in low-traction conditions (such as snow, sand or mud). Offroad geometry, although unquoted on the upgrade model, were listed previously as 21, 32 and 20-degrees for approach, departure and breakover respectively.

Suspension is a revised (read: stiffer) take on the familiar MacPherson strut (front) / five-link trailing arm (rear) all-independent arrangement. Compass’ rack and pinion hydraulically-assisted steering is also (slightly) sharpened in response.

Brakes are disc all around, measuring 294mm at the front and 262mm at the rear.

Depending on variant, Jeep Compass offers up to 1500kg (braked) towing capacity.

PACKAGING

-- More comfortable, but with comparable convenience

Jeep has improved comfort levels in its revised five-seater Compass, but this hasn’t detracted from the car’s practical, outdoorsy feel. Looking distinctively similar to its Grand Cherokee sibling, Compass adds a new ‘power bulge’ bonnet, front guards and fascia, new quad-reflector headlamps, projector-style foglamps and a hint of chrome detail to the brand’s traditional seven-slot grille.

Chunky alloy wheels and added brightwork across the exterior lend Compass an air of rural upbringing, while new protective cladding seeks to preserve the appearance of the paint against the perils one might encounter offroad.

Slimmer, new-look roof rails lower the car’s profile. At the rear, a new fascia, body-coloured spoiler and LED taillamps (Limited models only) complete the mid-life nip and tuck.

Although its major dimensions are unchanged, Compass’ interior is upgraded to include new soft-touch materials on the front door panels, also adding cushy padded surfaces on the door trim’s upper surface and that of the centre armrest.

A new tilt adjustable (no reach adjustment) steering wheel adds remote audio and cruise control switches and is bound in leather. On Sport models, the cloth upholstery is also revised. All models receive backlighting on internal door switches, locks, window switches and mirror controls.

The practicality of Compass' load area is extended to 738 litres by 60:40 split-fold rear seats and 1277-litres by its fold-flat front passenger seat. With seats in place, Compass’ cargo bay tallies 458-litres.

The colour palette now extends to eight.

SAFETY

-- More than 30 top-notch nannies

Jeep tells us its revised Compass features more than 30 safety and security features including all-wheel drive (where fitted), stability control, antilock brakes, electronic roll mitigation, hill-start assist, front and curtain airbags, and active head restraints. Side airbags are available optionally as part of the Safety and Comfort Package (see PRICING AND EQUIPMENT).

It’s common ground, really, and joins the familiar monocoque body to offer the expected levels of crash force dissipation. Like many of its rivals, Compass also utilises high-strength steel in its construction, as well as the use of a cross-floor strengthening beam to bolster the structure’s torsional rigidity.

To date, Compass has not participated in EuroNCAP or local ANCAP testing, however, US road safety body NHTSA has awarded the (previous) model with a five-star side impact safety rating, four-star frontal impact rating and four-star rollover protection rating.

Inside, three-point lap-sash seatbelts are fitted to all five seating positions, the front row adding pyrotechnic pretensioners. All seating positions also receive anti-whiplash head restraints.

COMPETITORS

-- Spoilt for choice

The compact SUV arena is one of the busiest in our local market, with almost every manufacturer offering at least one direct rival to Jeep’s made-over Compass.

These include, but are not limited to, the likes of Subaru Forester, Skoda Yeti, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-TRAIL and Mitsubishi Outlander. Coming soon is Ford's Kuga and Mazda's CX-5.

It’s horses for courses, really, and at the price sensitive end of the spectrum Compass fares well when compared like-for-like with the majority of its rivals, especially in terms of its equipment levels. On the road, however, the generation gap is evident, to say the least.

ON THE ROAD

-- Nice face, shame about the...

Five years is a long time in the automotive world. Driving a 2007 model nowadays shows just how far we’ve come in the pursuit of improved dynamics, finesse and flexibility. But for a handful of minor changes, the revised Jeep Compass is essentially just that -- a five-year old car.

Compass shows its age when weighed against rivals built on newer platforms, exhibiting not only the noise and vibration niggles one might expect from an older design, but also an inflexibility in the vital compromise between ride and handling now expected (if not standard) in this segment.

The short, mostly freeway drive from Melbourne’s CBD to Portsea in the southern urban fringe highlighted a level of road noise no longer common in compact SUVs (or even many larger models). Indeed, tyre, road and wind noise were all evident in varying and unwelcome levels over a range of surface types from smooth to coarse.

Dynamically, Compass also proved an unhappy compromise of able roadholding ability and too-stiff-for-comfort ride. Rack rattle is clearly evident in choppy corners which, despite failing to unsettle Compass’ grip, did manage to unnerve.

The other abundantly evident Compass qualm is the unhurried manner with which the braking system activates. The car tends to “run on” even under moderate to heavy application where the firm pedal feels decidedly underassisted. It should be noted that the pedal also lacks the modulation needed for smooth, car-like operation.

Driving the all-wheel-drive Limited model we also found engine performance to be adequate, at best, with larger hills and overtaking requiring near full-throttle input to maintain pace. The CVT transmission, despite being improved, is lethargic in response. The use of manual override is a better option when tempo dictates.

Thankfully, the interior is no longer the Tupperware style of the first gen model, the influence adopted from Grand Cherokee both obvious and welcomed. The softer feel of the surfaces commonly used as an armrest, the tactility of the thick-rimmed leather steering wheel, and the form of the newly sculpted bucket seats proof positive Jeep has tried hard to deliver a more nubile experience from an aging design.

Compass’ utilitarian overtones and offroad ability, coupled with its undeniable value-for-money price point, are certain to earn it a place with those not fussed with the benefits a more modern platform can offer. But for our money, an all-new model just can’t come soon enough.

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Jeep Compass 2012 Review

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