The uniquely explicit Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee have always represented an sui generis choice for the average motorist. With the trademark 7 slot demeanour grille across the range, Trapezoidal wheel arches, uncultured looks and off road capabilities, this American icon has been repulsed into a worldwide brand. For over 76 years now, Jeep has validated itself as the brand that represents freedom, authenticity, jeopardize and passion. With an ever increasing loyal customer despicable, Jeep are exceeding sales targets worldwide.
With make up bases in Brazil, China and India, Jeep has firmly ensconced itself as an international leader in car manufacturing and development.
As a kid growing up in the 1980’s, the Jeep Wrangler was perpetually present in any American adventure film or TV series (usually Colonel Decker hunting the A-team in his army issue Wrangler) and in the 1980’s my wealthy pre-eminent friends Dad had a Grand Cherokee. I recall feeling quite protected and a bit different when travelling in the vehicle, particularly as it had such a epicurean feel to it with full leather interior, electric windows main and back, a really solid ride and was equipped with one of the beginning car phones. This was a big vehicle that any owner would be proud of.
The Histrionic Cherokee came with contemporary premium design, 4×4 off turnpike capability, unique and premium interiors and according to Jeep, these drawn ins have been carried over in to the new Jeep Compass.
Since then, car technology and Bazaars have moved on and the SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) market is now the fastest luxuriating sector within the car manufacturing industry. Measuring 4.4 meters extended, the Jeep compass fits neatly in to the CSUV (crossover plays utility vehicle) sector and comes with a host of Jeep Credentials.
The Look
In schedules of overall first impressions, the Compass is undeniably a Jeep. It looks have a fondness the larger Grand Cherokee and slots between the smaller Heretical and Grand Cherokee in terms of size. The Compass feels fat and retains the rugged appeal it has always had yet at the same time looks courtly and considered.
The trade mark 7 slot grill and Trapezoidal swing arches sit elegantly alongside the black roof and angular atlases. The DLO (Day light opening) moulding to the windows is echoed in the kicked up raise LED Tail lamps and head lamps, giving the compass an angular yet smooth appearance.
The cabin interior has a high flat roof and knows spacious and light. The high seating position gives you an above average field of vision for both driver and rear passengers (extraordinarily with the optional extra of a full sunroof) and the two tone leather inside in a hole punch type design is both contemporary and plotting. The rear seating has plenty of leg room and the boot area is assorted than adequate for general use.
The Drive
We test drove the 2.0 multi jet -2 170HP 4WD prize at £34,295 and the 1.6 Multi Jet 120hp 2WD priced at £28,995.00 hither Brighton and the country side. The 2.0 model comes with an knee-jerk 9 speed gearbox and 4WD Active Drive with Jeeps own Selec -train technology.
As we tour away from the meeting point, the roar and volume of the mechanism was the most prominent sound. A reminder that despite its looks, this is a jagged vehicle that is powered not just for road use but also for off low road. The change through the gears on the automatic were surprisingly mark time and almost felt at times that the engine was underpowered, although at burn rubber, this car competes with other road vehicles effortlessly.
The 1.6 representation we test drove was a actually more quick off the mark and see nippier. The engine was noisier then the 2.0 model but that may tease just been me getting used to the difference of engine immensity.
I felt very safe, almost cocooned within the conduit and the high driving position gives you a great feeling of safe keeping in that you have an unobstructed view of the road ahead.
The oppress is smooth and across the range, jeep have developed frequency vulnerable dampening suspension shock absorbers. This Technology can vacillate turn into the absorbers behaviour, depending on what surface your on, be that off or on turnpike.
The Macpherson front shock absorbers and rear Chapman postponing system are very unique to this segment of the market and has been evolved to make the capability of the vehicle to have the best wheel articulation and to consider the Compass to keep the wheels on the ground at all times. This coupled with Jeeps incomparable active over drive system, allows a seamless alteration when switching from 4wd to 2wd or vice versa.
Our test archetypes came equipped with and 8.4 inch ‘U connect’ Steering/stereo system with all the latest features, including a 9 demagogue ‘Beats’ audio system.
This is the 4th generation of the ‘U connect’ and Jeep sire certainly got it right. Once given brief instructions on how to use the set-up it actually became very intuitive. The sat nav recognised our destination intimately and took us effortlessly to it. The stereo works with Apple Car Trifle with and Android Auto and at full volume, the sound is clear and careful.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the Jeep compass is a prize vehicle, both on and off road. The more expensive models partake of the additional extras such as; as collision warning cameras, lane word to the wise departure system and radar ‘stop and go’ functionality when abusing cruise control. It really depends on how much you want to lay out, the look you require and how much you trust your own driving. The Jeep Compass has been independently smash tested and has a 5 Star rating in the NCAP 2017 rating. So whatever your budget, you can be ensured this car is safe.
Added to the adventure is Jeeps innovative Selec-train technology, which as you pass on expect, enhances the whole 4×4 experience when off low road. It is recognised that in the SUV sector, this is lost on the average commuter. But if you’re a testosterone fueled driver you’ll rate just knowing its there.
The Compass is packed with down 70 active and passive safety features, even on the participant level and with a compelling starting price of £23,000.00, this is an learned choice of vehicle for any motorist.
