Jeep don’t give up easily.
Many a car-maker would be looking elsewhere for a more profitable income from a brand. Especially, in Europe where there isn’t the sort of loyalty they’d get in the US.
Buy I think things are moving a bit now. And not before time.
There have been many false dawns, but a bit like the Mayo footballers, the time comes, often when least expected.
Among the new Jeep models, there is the e-Hybrid First Edition version of the Compass mid-sized crossover, which I’ve tested.
It is that bit more substantial, and more refined inside and out.
And it needs to be. The competition is intense.
The rivals belong to the loosely-named large compact SUV market. There are the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, KIA Sportage, Mazda CX-5 to mention a few.
I don’t think the Compass would be the first name to roll off your tongue if someone asked you for two or three names of the best vehicles in that compact SUV range.
But hey – away with the gloom there. Mayo have shown there’s always a chance of surprise.
Maybe people will start saying far better things about Jeep, in general, and the likes of the Compass, in particular.
Let’s take a look at the Compass.
Better designed, there is a more competitive interior (well-placed screens, that work well), good visibility out back, the 7-grille’s prominence and plenty of practical slots.
Above all there was a sense of better-quality materials in most, but not all areas, of the cabin, and a bit more composure on the road, though as we’ll see there’s room for improvement on that front.
On the basis of several days at the wheel of the Compass, I felt it was a bit like a good, young footballer. It has ability and a certain amount of skill to go further but needs a lift in confidence.
In its favour, the Compass looks that bit more rugged and should settle into the category of mid-range and merit as crossovers go.
Granted it is not as opulently endowed with the streaking lines of some rivals. But the bright-colour body colour certainly enhanced appearance. The yellow/green version seems to be their flagship.
That said, the brown-coloured model I had on test looked far from dull.
I was in the ‘mild’ e-Hybrid version. The 1.2-litre 48v e-Hybrid 3cyl turbocharged petrol power plant summoned 145hp from its depths. Power is helped by a small electric motor and a dual-clutch automatic.
My petrol consumption was around the 6litres/100kms: the official return is 5.6litres/100kms.
The bulky body and additions of larger batteries can put on the pounds on SUVs.
The Compass felt it was punching above its weight with the turbo boosted l.2 litre petrol and e-hybrid.
I didn’t expect it to be quite as easy going, if you get my drift, as it was on a previous drive. The BEV version might be an option if you’re in the market for a bit of zip as well as practical family car. Not to mention the fact that they are both priced the same.
That means my e-hybrid First Edition €45,995 (DCT 6 FWD) has the same price as the all-electric model. Jeep are matching e-Hybrid and BEV prices so people have a real choice. Starting prices from €42,995.
And yet, before you jog off to look at the all-electric, the e-Hybrid managed well on controlling body-roll and was above decent in squashing out the worst impact of rugged roads.
This served me well over the week or so. I felt it solid and comfortable. Helped by my personal lack of urgency, the Compass cruised on motorways.
I’d call it a solid driver before anything else. And that’s good enough for most people.
Some things I can’t criticise about the SUV. There is good room in the cabin and a boot (550 litres) that’s a bit above average but below the Hyundai Tucson pace-setter.
Some of the better-informed people I give a lift to now get quite agitated by the fact that the likes of the Compass should be at least as good as they are – considering they draw from the same global Stellantis platform as many others in the fold. They include the Peugeot 308, Citroen C5 Aircross and Opel Grandland are typical examples).
Well they are different in some/many ways – from virtual badge sharing to substantial adaption.
Among the more eye-catching bits of spec for the like of the Compass, are the Select-Terrain, USB A+C, 18ins alloys, rearview camera with front/rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, fix-and-go tyre repair kit, 2-zone air con.
The First Edition spec additions include privacy glass, front/rear fog lights, roof rails, wireless charger and a 7-slot illuminated grill.
There’s going to be a 4×4 version and a stormer of an EV powerhouse coming down the line.
Will the Compass fit in your gateway/drive/? Get out your measuring tape. It is 4,548mm long, 1,904mm wide, has a 2,784mm wheelbase and is 1,629mm/1.675 tall.
Taking all into consideration, the Compass is a good deal better than before. You could do worse than give it a test drive.
