Jeep Compass [UK] (2007)

Modern Take on a Classic

This all-new compact SUV is firmly rooted in its Jeep design heritage, featuring the brand's signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles.

Jeep Compass features an all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windscreen, expressive bonnet and deep fascia, which combine to give it a modern, yet capable appearance. The profile of the windscreen, front fascia and A-pillar were developed in the wind tunnel for aerodynamics to improve fuel economy and to reduce wind noise. The bonnet is stamped from steel and includes a small lip on the trailing edge to help direct airflow over the windscreen wipers. Standard round fog lamps set within the fascia add a touch of sportiness and improve visibility in bad weather.

Jeep Compass' side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of the traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Compass rides on a 2635mm (103.7-in.) wheelbase with a 1520mm (59.8-in.) wide track. The wheel placement enhances vehicle stability, vehicle dynamics and ride quality.

Large wheels and tyres combined with the Compass' suspension design contribute to 200mm (7.9 in.) of ground clearance. The low-profile design of the rear suspension also maximises rear seat and cargo room.

Jeep Compass' exterior components are both sophisticated and functional. The Compass Limited model features standard bright body-side moulding. Large, black exterior mirrors tuned in the wind tunnel maximise the driver's field of view, while minimising drag and wind noise. While the front door handles are placed on the sheet metal, the rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar to preserve the character line that is stamped in the rear doors. Black graphic appliqués on the centre pillars and the flush-mounted rear quarter glass, combined with the black belt moulding and black roof-rail moulding, provide the illusion of a single window opening from A- to D-pillar.

An integrated black full-length roof rack and rail moulding with a soft edge channels water over the roof and provides a smooth fit and finish. The roof rack is functional and features five tie-downs for securing items.

Jeep Compass' functional spoiler, tuned for aerodynamics, also maximises the rear view and extends the vehicle's roofline. A six-light-emitting diode (LED) centre high-mounted stop lamp and washer nozzle are integrated into the spoiler.

A one-piece steel liftgate provides easy access to Jeep Compass' spacious interior. The liftgate construction includes a one-piece steel inner and outer panel for structural integrity. It gets its unique shape from the light bar that spans across the back of the vehicle. The body-colour light bar is deeply dished and houses lights for the license plate. Modular taillamps fill the corners, and the Compass name is embossed on the rear fascia. A black step pad with a non-skid surface further enhances the Compass' utility and practicality.

All Jeep Compass models will be available in Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Black Clear Coat.

Flexible, Functional Interior with Clever Innovations

Jeep Compass' interior combines functional style, comfort and versatility in an appealing and surprisingly roomy package. Compass' flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating passengers and storing gear.

A command-of-the-road seating position that is 5.1cm (2 in.) higher than Dodge Caliber gives Jeep Compass drivers an added feeling of control.

All models feature a two-toned leather dark slate/pastel slate colour interior, clever features in the instrument panel and centre console, and versatile seating and storage. Jeep Compass includes a front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility and makes way for storing gear - everything from a 2-metre (8-foot) ladder to skis or snowboards. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks forward creates a nearly flat load surface, maximising storage in the Compass. The fold-flat rear seats also recline to provide added flexibility and comfort.

Jeep Compass has nearly 100cm (39.4 in.) of rear seat leg room and up to 1277 litres (45.1 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality for a compact SUV, including:

• Supplemental side-curtain air bags
• Optional nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer and includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward and play music to augment outdoor activities
• Dual-purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• Sliding centre armrest moves forward 7.6cm (3 in.) to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a mobile phone or an MP3 player
• Fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Flexible 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats that also recline
• UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor is both removable and washable

Jeep Compass' cluster area is large for a compact SUV and features four gauges. The Compass Limited model features a painted silver bezel. Cluster gauges feature black with white graphics and orange pointers, as well as LED for illumination.

The instrument panel provides convenient storage compartments for added utility. The glove box door swings down to provide a large, single bin for storing the owner's manual and other documents out of sight, while an open bin above the glove box provides additional easy-to-reach storage space.

The centre stack, which features a Silver Alloy painted bezel to complement the instrument panel, includes air registers that can be closed so there is no perceivable air flow, as well as the radio, climate controls, the switch bank for optional heated seats and the transaxle shifter. These components are all within easy reach of the driver and passenger. A cubby for storing small items is located beneath the radio.

Jeep Compass also features a gated shifter, a feature typically found on premium vehicles. The shifter features a black and bright shifter cap with the Jeep name featured in the centre with styling details similar to the shifter in the Jeep Commander. The bezel includes an illuminated PRNDL indicator to make it easy to see when driving at night.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

Fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder gasoline engine market. The Chrysler Group World Engine family, which is based on a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler Corp., Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., is targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five per cent compared with the engines they replace - rivalling the best four-cylinder engines in the world.

The Jeep Compass is available with the 2.4-litre petrol World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine, with 168 bhp and 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) of torque, produces more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter ride than engines without dual VVT. The 2.4-litre engine places Compass amongst the best in the segment for power, torque, top speed, acceleration and towing capacity, all with fuel economy that is comparable to lower displacement engines.

"The World Engine program allows us to build premium features into the Jeep Compass' power plant without a premium price," Lyons said. "We set high targets and achieved those targets to meet customers' high demands for fuel economy, refinement, durability, quality and performance."

Chrysler Group brought its engineering expertise to the World Engine program in the areas of cylinder port and intake manifold design using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. Chrysler Group engineers led the development work on dual VVT, as well as an integrated 2:1 oil pump/balance shaft assembly. Chrysler Group engineers also refined the engines for exceptional smoothness and sound quality, resulting in a pleasant engine feel and sound for the customer.

2.0-litre Turbo Diesel Engine

The 2.0-litre engine is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel power plant with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically controlled, leading to high power and torque and optimal fuel efficiency. The turbo diesel engine positions the Jeep Compass competitively in its class for power, torque, top speed, acceleration, towing capacity and fuel economy. Maximum power is 138 bhp, and peak torque is 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.).

"Advanced diesel engine technology is readily available and can dramatically reduce the amount of crude oil consumed worldwide," Lyons added. "European customers especially want modern diesel engines with outstanding performance and efficiency, so from the beginning of the program, our engineers included a diesel engine as part of Jeep Compass' powertrain plan."

Manual Transaxles Add Efficiency and Sportiness

Jeep Compass' 2.4-litre petrol World Engine is mated as standard to a Magna Driveline T355 five-speed manual transaxle with overdrive and synchronised in all forward ratios. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is paired with an Aisin BG6 six-speed manual transaxle with a three-shaft gear train.

Both manual transaxles provide high performance, durability, quiet operation and smooth shifting. Fuel economy is also enhanced through efficient operation. For both, the shifter is packaged in the centre stack within easy reach of the driver.

New-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle Improves Fuel Economy

The 2.4-litre petrol World Engine is also available with an optional automatic Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT). The all-new Jeep Compass uses the newest generation of CVT, offering several advantages compared with previous CVTs.

The Jeep Compass' CVT continuously varies the transaxle ratio, providing an infinite number of gear ratios and allowing the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range. The transaxle uses two "V" pulleys and a steel push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.

Through the use of electronic controls, Jeep Compass' CVT provides a familiar engine feel while delivering improved fuel economy. For example, drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.

"Our engineers have calibrated Compass' CVT to provide a throttle response that feels very natural to the driver," said Lyons. "We've also created an available Auto Stick feature that gives the driver manual control and the feeling of six stepped gears," Lyons added.

Chrysler Group's CVT contributes a six-eight per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle. Eliminating upshifts allows the transaxle to engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped transaxles and results in more efficient operation, especially during city driving.

The CVT also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle. Optimised gear ratios, especially in the 30-60 mph range, improve Jeep Compass' passing manoeuvres and contribute to a responsive feel and ultimate smoothness.