Jeep Expands Range With Compact Model
Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) - June 28, 2006
Jeep is expanding its range with the new entry model Jeep Compass, combining what the manufacturer calls the functionality of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with the handling and fuel economy of a compact car or small pickup. The Compass is an all-new styled vehicle that is available in U.S. showrooms from August this year at a starting price of 15,985 dollars. Sales in Europe are scheduled for the fourth quarter of the year.
Compass will also be the Jeep brand's first front-wheel-drive- based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on- road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics.
With the latest model, the Jeep brand's global lineup has been expanded to seven SUVs, including the Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Jeep Cherokee outside North America), Jeep Patriot, the Jeep Wrangler and the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door.
The Compass competes in the segment against such vehicles as the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV-4 and Honda CR-V, sharing many components with the Dodge Caliber.
Typical features are the Jeep brand's signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several design twists including the steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia.
In the interior, a sliding center armrest moves forward 7.62 cm to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player.
Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions.
Standard safety features on all Compass models include side- curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with rough-road detection Brake Traction Control.
Initially the Compass is available with a 2.4 liter 173 hp petrol engine with a two liter 140 hp diesel scheduled for early next year.
Copyright 2006 dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH