New Compass points the way
Jeep is set for its biggest ever year here and across the Tasman with two allnew volume models and a never-seen-before niche performance model. Set to lead the way – numberswise anyway – is the all-new Compass SUV, unveiled with some flair and not a lit tle US-style pizzazz at a glitzy function in Melbourne’s Docklands district in early December. New Compass will be first to arrive here – by the end of the first quarter – with Kiwis being offered the choice of three different models, a base 2WD Latitude with an RRP of $ 39,990, the first 4WD model, the Limited with an RRP of $ 49,990, and the range-topping $ 54,990 RRP Trailhawk 4WD. Local company boss David Smitherman was bullish about volume for the new Compass, which he believes will become the marque's top-selling model in 2018. Helping will be two factors, the Medium SUV category ( think Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan etc) is the biggest by volume, and at launch Jeep will discount the RRPs – by $ 3000 apiece – to $ 36,990 for Latitude, $ 46,990 for Limited and $ 49,990 for the Trailhawk. All three get the 129kW/ 230Nm 2.4 litre ( petrol) Tigershark four-cylinder engine with six-speed auto for the base 2WD Latitude and trick new nine-speed auto for the Limited and Trailhawk 4WDs. The 4WD models can be differentiated by their drivetrains, the Limited getting Jeep’s Selec-Terrrain ( auto plus sand, mud and snow modes) and the Trailhawk that ( with the addition of a further ‘rock’ mode), as well as extra ride height and Jeep’s Active Drive Low 4WD package which includes a 20:1 crawl ratio. The other all-new model officially launched for the Australian and NZ markets in Melbourne was the new Wrangler ( see separate story this issue) and the ( much awaited in the NZ4WD/NZ Company Vehicle office) Grand Cherokee Trackhawk! While new Wrangler isn’t expected here until the fourth quarter the first 522kW/ 868Nm supercharged 6.2 litre Hellcat V8-engined Trackhawks are due to land here in the second quarter.