          
view larger images |
Model/Engine size: 2.0 CRD Limited (manual)
Fuel: Diesel
Fuel economy combined: 43.5mpg
Jeep is currently advertising the fact that its new Patriot model can do 42.2mpg, however the new Compass ‘SUV’ does an even better 43.5mpg – therefore putting it in equal first place with the Honda CR-V and the shortly to be revised BMW X3 2.0d in our Green-Car-Guide e-Book 4x4 diesel section.
The Compass is a crossover – ie. a cross between a 4x4 and a car. It’s Jeep’s first try at this, although this is a concept that’s very popular with other manufacturers, as they see that the compact 4x4 segment is expected to increase to nearly 400,000 units by 2010 (watch out for new offerings based on the Ford Focus and VW Golf hatches).
The good thing about the Jeep is that it does offer people a cult 4x4 brand with fuel economy matching that of the definitely ‘soft-road’ Honda CR-V. This is something that Land Rover hasn’t managed – its most economical model is the Freelander, but that can only achieve 37.7mpg – 6mpg short of the Jeep.
So is it a proper off-roader?
Although its ‘Freedom Drive 1’ is a full-time, active four–wheel drive system, in practice the Compass, based on Dodge Caliber running gear, is the first Jeep to be driven predominantly by the front wheels. If required it can transmit power through its Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) to the rear wheels when it detects the fronts slipping, and four-wheel drive can be selected and locked on if required (the button can be activated at speeds up to 10mph). Up to 60% of the torque can be sent to the rear wheels if needed.
The Freedom Drive 1 is actually quite an intelligent and integrated system, and is not just for improved off-road capability - Jeep also claim it improves the car’s on-road handling. Between 25 and 65mph, the system is designed to improve the car’s stability in corners, applying torque to the rear wheels to help the car turn more easily and reduce any understeer. Above 70mph, unless any slip is detected, the system runs in front-wheel drive to ensure the best fuel economy (not that any Jeep drivers will be doing more than 70mph of course!).
With its 200mm of ground clearance, it coped fine with relatively easy off-roading, despite the fact that it has completely road-biased tyres. As we know, the vast majority of 4x4s never go off road, so its capabilities are likely to be more than sufficient for most people’s needs.
What’s it like to drive?
The problem with the Compass is that for a car that’s been designed to look sporty, it’s not sporty to drive. The VW-sourced 2.0-litre diesel offers a reasonable balance of performance – as long as the turbo is on boost - and economy, but it isn’t as smooth, refined or as responsive as Honda’s CR-V – and it’s noisy. It’s fine on a motorway, but there is considerable wind noise at this speed, seemingly from the roof rails.
Although we test-drove the turbodiesel, which comes with a six-speed gearbox that changes smoothly yet also feels strong, there’s also a 2.4-litre petrol engine – although few people in the UK are likely to choose that option (the diesel is much better suited to this car). The petrol engine comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or Continuously Variable Transmission – as with many CVTs, it doesn’t seem to transfer the power from the engine particularly well, so best to avoid it. The diesel is £1,015 more than the 32.5mpg (manual) 2.4-litre petrol variant.
It’s also the first Jeep with fully independent suspension, in an effort to make it easier to live with and better to drive on the road. Body roll is acceptable on flowing B roads, and the steering has more feel and accuracy than any previous Jeep, but the car still feels like a heavy 4x4, especially at low speeds. Overall, although Jeep has made an effort in this department, it’s not as refined to drive as a Land Rover Freelander 2 – but a Freelander is more expensive.
The Looks
The Compass combines the Jeep’s trademark looks with sporty styling. It’s probably an appearance that you’ll love or hate, with its high waistline, flared arches, and big wheels. The indicator details at the front don’t seem to sit particularly happily in the overall design.
For people who want more character than a boring family hatchback, but don’t want a big clunky off-roader, this car could meet the brief.
Interior
The interior is also based on the Caliber; and it doesn’t get anywhere near matching the quality of a Freelander 2. This car costs $15,000 in America (yes, around £7500!), and it has lots of cheap, grey, hard, square plastic (features such as the air conditioning button feel particularly cheap). But it does give you the option of a mpg read-out on the dash, which we believe should be a standard and prominent feature on all cars.
The Compass also has leather seats, roof bars, cruise control, good speakers (including in the rear door), electronic stability programme, electronic roll mitigation, and shiny 18-inch wheels as standard.
Slight gripes about the interior include the gear knob which has an uncomfortable sharp ring of material below the chrome top, and the stereo controls are hidden behind the steering wheel, so you’ve no idea which button does what. The steering wheel itself has a good feel for a 4x4, but there’s no clutch footrest.
Legroom in the rear is good, with very deep footwells. The rear seat backs can be in the normal position for rear seat passengers, fully flat to give a really useful load space for items such as mountain bikes, or they can be put in an upright position to give more space in the boot for luggage or dogs. The boot offers 436 litres of space with the rear seat in place, which is better than a conventional hatchback can manage. And the boot carpet can be fully removed to make the cleaning of the boot very easy.
Green Credentials
The official combined fuel consumption of the Compass should be 43.5mpg. On country roads the car averaged between 40 and 43mpg, so it seems reasonable to expect much better economy in practice than most Jeeps and other 4x4s that often struggle to achieve 30mpg.
The fuel tank is relatively small at 51.5 litres so it won’t manage a huge range. One of the biggest black marks it gets in terms of environmental credentials is the lack of a diesel particulate filter, which means that it emits particulates which have an adverse effect on local air quality (and therefore our lungs).
Verdict
The concept of this car makes complete sense in current market conditions, with increasing demand for compact 4x4s. The Jeep Compass is an interesting, practical, safe and surefooted car with the character of a legendary 4x4 brand, that is also making an effort to be relatively green. Its four-wheel drive system is more capable in conditions of poor grip than the Honda CR-V, and it’s more affordable than rivals such as the Freelander. This means that the Jeep Compass is the most economical 4x4 that has a four-wheel drive system that is capable off-road.
We applaud any car maker that gives us cars of character, especially 4x4s as they have gained such a poor image, that are also class-leading in terms of economy. However the Compass doesn’t feel particularly efficient to drive, and it’s just a shame that the sporty looks don’t translate into a sporty and responsive driving experience. Will any 4x4 be able to combine a genuinely enjoyable and supple car-like driving experience with reasonable economy before the diesel Subaru Forester appears?
| Fuel economy extra urban: 52.3mpg |
| Fuel economy urban: 34.0mpg |
| CO2 emissions: 177 g/km |
| Green rating: VED band E - £165 |
| Weight: 1540 Kg |
| Company car tax liability (2007): 25% |
| Price: £19,010 (From £17,995 to £19,105) |
| Insurance group: 13E |
| Safety: NCAP N/A |
| Max speed: 117 mph |
| 0-60mph: 11 seconds |
| DPF: No |
|
|
