Compass has a point to prove

JEEP’S a tough breed of car and a tough brand — which is just as well given the knocks it’s taken over the last few years.

But it’s back, with forward-thinking ownership from Fiat — and fresh models like this rejuvenated Compass, here to take on well established rivals in the Qashqaidominated mid-sized SUV sector.

In the past, Jeep has compromised on-tarmac prowess in pursuit of rock-hopping credibility.

No longer. This Compass will still go further in the muck than most of its Qashqai-class rivals but the idea now is that you shouldn’t be constantly reminded of the fact on the school run.

Just as importantly, this model’s smarter ‘mini-Grand Cherokee’ looks will need to be more than skin-deep, blended with a value proposition strong enough to lift this Compass clear of other class competitors.

The Compass range, which starts at £25,000, is based around a Multijet diesel engine unit. There’s a 120bhp 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre powerplant available in either 138 or 168bhp guises. There’s also a 1.4litre petrol unit with 138bhp.

The top 2.0-litre diesel comes with a 9-speed auto gearbox, boasts a lusty 380Nm of pulling power and will be the primary choice of towers. The ‘Trailer Sway Control’ will come in useful if you’re pulling anything.

Four-wheel drive models get rear-axle disconnect, which improves efficiency by switching to two-wheel drive when all-wheel drive isn’t required.

In the unlikely event that you’re likely to be off roading frequently, you might be interested in the flagship Compass Trailhawk variant, which uses the top 178bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and features extra body cladding, higher ground clearance, a low-range gearbox and steeper approach angles.

This derivative features the ‘Jeep Active Drive II’ chassis that gets a two speed power transfer unit, which includes torque management and low range gears to lock the front and rear drive shafts for low speed grunt.

Standard equipment across the range includes air conditioning, a ‘Uconnect’ touchscreen infotainment system with a DAB audio set-up and Bluetooth.

All models get the expected things — Isofix childseat fastenings, tyre pressure monitoring, an energy-absorbing steering column, hill-start assist and twin front, side and curtain airbags.

The Compass may not meet the purist perception of a ‘real Jeep’, but it’s the peoples’ idea of one.