Search Site

Home - Automobile Reviews - Jeep Reaches Out to Entirely New Customer Base with New Front-Drive Compass

Jeep Reaches Out to Entirely New Customer Base with New Front-Drive Compass

New Compass Sends Jeep into Urban Jungle

DaimlerChrysler unveiled its new compact crossover in Detroit at the NAIAS, the new Compass. Jeep is hoping to boost its reach by appealing to a whole new market of non-traditional 4x4 buyers. Aimed at a younger more urban market that is looking for more modern lines, fashionable styling, not "Trail Rated" off-roading capabilities, Jeep is hoping to steal customers that may have purchased a Ford Escape or a Honda CR-V in the past, not a traditional Jeep product.

"The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,"

Jeep is hoping to boost its reach by appealing to a whole new market of non-traditional 4x4 buyers with its new Compass, shown here being introduced in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design, DaimlerChrysler. "Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name."

The public first got a glimpse of the entry level Jeep at the 2005 International Motor Show in Frankfurt as a concept. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

The public first got a glimpse of the entry level Jeep at the 2005 International Motor Show in Frankfurt as a concept, but the production Compass, slated to go on sale later this year as a 2007 model, looks like it took a few styling cues from Infiniti� (QX56) when seen from the side. Up front, a pumped up version of Jeeps seven slot signature grille is flanked by traditional round headlights, while the molded front fenders

The Compass produces 172 horses from its 2.4-liter World Engine, the result of a cooperative effort shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

encase circular fog lights. With 8 inches of ground clearance, more than a Toyota 4Runner, incidentally, this city jeep rolls on standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, but 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad alloys are available. From behind, more traditional hints of the Jeep brand are evident.

The Compass produces 172 horses from its 2.4-liter World Engine, the result of a cooperative effort shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi, with dual variable valve timing also making its debut. This is Jeeps first front-wheel drive based product too, although drivers

The Compass dash is impressive with a steel-like inserts, while seating is comfortably spacious. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

can choose a four-wheel drive option instead. While the Compass isnt for hard core off-roading, the 4x4 system will help on ice and snow clogged city roads, and as mentioned, it offers decent ground clearance which should translate into reasonable capabilities on the trail.

This low cost Jeep also features a standard five-speed manual gearbox and an available continuously variable transmission (CVT), the latter to optimize performance and fuel economy. The Limited model comes with a version of Chrysler Groups acclaimed AutoStick manual-mode shifter, but due to its CVT application it features the "simulation" of six stepped gears. Standard on both models are such safety features as side-curtain

Mounted in the headliner is a self-recharging removable lamp cum flashlight. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

air bags, ESP stability control, traction control and ABS-enhanced brakes.

The Compass interior comes in two color schemes, including a two-tone motif of dark and lighter shades of Pastel Slate Gray or Pastel Pebble Beige in top-line models. Its dash is impressive with a steel-like inserts, while seating is comfortably spacious.
If youre looking for gizmos, then this Jeep aims to please. Mounted in the headliner above the cargo area is a dual purpose, self-recharging removable lamp, which can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight. The AM/FM/CD audio system comes with an auxiliary audio input jack for those who can not leave home with their iPod. The center console features a sliding armrest that moves forward to accommodate vertically challenged drivers and contains a flip pocket for

Also standard are 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatbacks that feature vinyl "floor coverings" on their backsides. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)?

storing a cell or mp3 player. Also standard are 60/40 split flat-folding rear seatbacks that feature vinyl "floor coverings" on their backsides providing a washable and removable surface for the rear cargo area.

Those who want a few more creature comforts can opt for the Limited model, which comes with such goodies as 18-inch chrome wheels, a sunroof, body-color body-side moldings, and the Driver Convenience Group, which includes compass and temperature gauges, a tire pressure monitor and an electrochromic rearview mirror.

Overall, Jeep has created a solid compact crossover for city dwellers whose regular off-road endeavors involve nothing more than negotiating speed bumps and jumping the odd curb, but for who style, comfort and driving something with Jeep branding goes a long way.

Both 2007 Compass and Compass Limited models will be available at your local Jeep dealership later this summer.

Page: 1

ADD TO:

Digg

Del.icio.us

Google

Blink

Furl

Simpy

Spurl

Y! MyWeb

Your Comments

Enter review title	Choose a star rating	Type in your review
Your Name (optional)	Your Email (optional)

Relatd Vehicle Listings

User Tools

	Discuss in our Forums

	Photos of Jeep

	Print this Auto News

	Email this Auto News

NEW Jeep PRICE QUOTE

Get a FREE, No-Obligation Internet Price Quote for Jeep !


Find Jeep Dealer \| Search Auto Listings for Jeep

Acura Audi Bentley BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Daewoo Dodge Eagle Ferrari Ford Geo GMC Honda Hummer Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lamborghini Lexus Lincoln Lotus Maserati Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercury MINI Mitsubishi Nissan Oldsmobile Plymouth Pontiac Porsche Saab Saturn Scion Subaru Suzuki Toyota Volkswagen Volvo