MANY cars on our roads these day are SUVs – all claiming some degree of ‘off road’ capability but over many years of doing this job I have discovered some manufacturers have far more right that others to claim a rugged reputation.
One such is Jeep, who over the years have taken me on off road adventures which put other SUV manufacturers to shame.
Yes, I know the average UK driver is very unlikely to ever need to cross a rutted field but the selling point of these cars is that, if needed, it could cut it in the rough stuff.
However, our test car this week is NOT even four-wheel drive… but still has the traction to help get you out of a sticky situation with its Selec Terrain drive modes.
The System is designed to enhance off-road capabilities allowing drivers to adapt to different conditions and features several modes that adjust the vehicle’s steering, throttle response and other settings to optimize performance based on the terrain.
Auto mode automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings for optimal traction and steering based on driving conditions. Sport mode enhances performance by providing a more aggressive shift pattern from the transmission while in the Snow, Sand and Mud setting the stability control, throttle and transmission adjust to slippery conditions.
The new Compass is more than a foot longer than the one it replaces so is now bigger than many of its key rivals, the stretched wheelbase making room for the underfloor battery packs of electric versions.
There are four to choose from, the Standard Range EV (74kWh, 210bhp, single-motor) our test car, the e-Hybrid (1.2-litre 48V, 144bhp), a Long Range EV (97kWh, 228bhp, single-motor) and a plug-in hybrid (1.6-litre turbo, 17.9kWh battery, 223bhp).
The only Compass with four-wheel drive is the 4xe dual-motor EV, complete with raised ride height, high-clearance bumpers and a few other extra rugged-themed revisions.
Jeep made the original Compass mainly for road driving and only occasional light rough-stuff-running, which means the majority of versions can be front-wheel-drive enhanced by that electronic off road ability.
From the outside, the hybrid, PHEV and EV look almost identical with the trademark Jeep seven-slot grille and lots of off-road design features.
The Compass’s interior is stylish yet functional with lots of useful storage areas, chunky controls for the ‘Selec-Terrain’ drive mode controller and drive selector plus plenty of physical switches to help you navigate the infotainment and climate settings.
The wide touchscreen infotainment system is suplemented by a selection of buttons and is clear and easy to use. Material quality is good and the steering wheel buttons are unique to the Compass, as is the drive mode selector.
Boot space is improved plus there is a false floor that can be removed to make room for really bulky things with a generous 550 litres of total volume.
The three cylinder 1.2 petrol engine and 48V motor give a 0-62mph of 10.3sec, not bad for such a large-ish vehicle and I suspect most UK buyers are likely to go for the hybrid thanks to up to a shade under 50 mpg being possible. With just 0.9kWh of battery capacity the capacity for electric running is very limited in what is quite a heavy car.
The entry-level hybrid is reasonably priced starting at just under £35k while our First Edition version had £4k of extras so was packed with equipment including adaptive cruise and 360-degree camera system, approach keyless entry and start, twin pane glass sunroof and heated screen.
For more info see www.jeep.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth