If Land Rover is the epitome of British off roading, Jeep is the iconic American brand for getting off the beaten track.
For me, seeing a Jeep Cherokee roar down the beach during the opening scenes of The Goonies was my first introduction to this rugged off road maker.
In the decades since then, Jeep has made some inroads into the European market. One of its key models is this, the new Compass.
It’s a direct competitor for the Nissan Qashqai, Mazda CX-5 and new Skoda Karoq.
Jeep has just released full details for the new model. Prices will start at £22,995, with the first right-hand-drive cars due in the UK in February 2018.
At 4.4 metres in length, the Compass slots into Jeep’s range between the 4.2m Renegade and 4.6m Cherokee. Company bosses reckon it’s a key addition to the range, giving Jeep a presence in the growing compact SUV market that is expected to account for two million sales in Europe by 2020.
It will have to do better than the original Compass, an unappealing vehicle that was withdrawn from sale here two years ago.
The new Compass line-up includes two petrol and three diesel engines, with front-wheel drive available on some models. The range kicks off with entry-level Sport trim, which is only available with the 118bhp 1.6-litre Multijet diesel. Standard equipment on Sport models includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lights, forward collision warning and cruise control.
A 2.0 diesel engine is also available in two states of tune – 138bhp and 168bhp – and only with four-wheel-drive. A choice of a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission is offered, depending on trim level. The petrol options comprise a 1.4-litre MultiAir II Turbo engine with either 138bhp or 168bhp.
Four trim levels are available: Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, although the latter won’t be available until the summer of next year.
Longitude is anticipated to be the most popular trim level with customers. It gets 17in alloys and builds on the Sport variant’s kit with front fog lamps, Parkview reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, an 8.4in infotainment screen, electric lumbar support, dual zone climate control and keyless entry and go.
The Compass Trailhawk will be powered with the 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine equipped with a low-range mode and will top the range at a price of £35,595.
The Compass is also the first model from Jeep to feature the brand’s new Uconnect entertainment and navigation system.
A raft of safety tech such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera contributed to the Compass’ five-star EURO NCAP rating.
jmckeown@thecourier.co.uk