Service Cars

2007 Jeep Compass Preview

Jeep finally offers something viable for those shopping in the sub-$20,000 compact SUV segment.

Overview

The 2007 Jeep Compass takes Jeep in a whole new direction with a vehicle aimed at those who spend more time in an urban environment by combining the functionality of a sport-utility vehicle with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car.

With traditional Jeep styling, the Compass features a Jeep seven-slot grille, round headlights and trapezoidal wheel openings. The windshield is steeply raked and the side profile shows the uniquely sculpted fender shapes with standard 17-inch aluminum wheels or optional 18-inch wheels.



Compass is powered by a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter engine with either a standard 5-speed manual transmission or an optional second-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). The Compass Limited with CVT2 offers the AutoStick feature that allows drivers to control the transmission manually so that it simulates a 6-speed automatic. The CVT2 is expected to improve fuel economy 6 to 8 percent compared to a traditional 4-speed automatic.
A full-time active 4-wheel-drive system is available and includes a “Lock” mode for use on low-traction surfaces. Standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, ESP, traction control, fog lights and YES Essentials fabric for the interior.

New Compass Sends Jeep into Urban Jungle

"The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep," commented 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 Compass produces 172 horses from its 2.4-litre 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 as well, although drivers 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 over a conventional automatic gearbox. 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 airbags, ESP stability control, traction control and ABS-enhanced brakes.

The Compass interior comes in two colour 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 metal-like inserts, while seating is comfortably spacious.

Standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, a fold-flat vinyl load floor, an AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, cloth seats, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, floor mats and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward three inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.

And of course there are options: seat-mounted side airbags, heated cloth or leather seats, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, flexible 60/40 split-fold rear seats, SIRIUS satellite radio, air conditioning ad so on. A nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system has two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities.

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.

Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere ( Ill. ) Assembly Plant.


2007 Jeep Compass

Base price: $20,000 (est.)
Engine: 2.4-liter in-line four, 172 hp; 2.0-liter turbodiesel outside North America
Transmission: Five-speed manual or continuously variable transaxle, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Length x width x height: 173.4 x 69.3 x 63.3 inches
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches
Curb weight: 3089 lb base (est.) front-wheel drive; 3351 lb. (est.) Limited four-wheel drive
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): N/A
Safety equipment: Dual front and side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control
Major standard equipment: AM/FM/CD player; tilt steering wheel; 17-inch aluminum wheels and touring tires
Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles