It’s always exciting to get behind the wheel of a new Jeep and see what our free-spirited American counterparts put together.
Americans make bold cars with a distinct design language, performance and driving dynamics. Every Jeep has the American touch echoed throughout its packaging and our feature Jeep Compass Trailhawk is no exception.
Recapping on its origins, Jeep is a 75-year-old phenomenon. It all begun in 1941 when a company called Overland was contracted by the US government to produce military vehicles. This saw the production of the first Jeep, known as the Bantam BRC Willy.
Jeep’s military background explains its jerrycan-like rugged character exuding throughout the brand.
The Jeep Compass is a new range; it was first introduced in 2007 alongside the Jeep Patriot variant. Our featured Compass is the second and current generation; it made its first appearance in September 2016 in Brazil, and has since been manufactured in Toluca, Mexico, only recently hitting Namibia.
Classified as a sub-compact SUV, the Compass competes against the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, the Honda CRV and the Toyota Rav4. It comes in as a hardcore off-roader and American alternative, a niche Jeep holds well at every level.
At first sight, the Compass strikes me as a small Grand Cherokee. I can’t help but think it’s going to cannibalise its sibling. The Compass has grown from its predecessor, so the Cherokee may have to make way for it as there cannot be two cars with the same specs under one brand. Alternatively, the Cherokee may scale up in size, performance, features, etc, which will mean the Grand Cherokee will also subsequently scale up.
Lately there has been a trend of cars growing in size – bigger is always more attractive – and the all-new Compass is certainly bolder, bigger and better designed than its predecessor.
It points to a new design direction for the Jeep brand featuring a sloping roof line and muscular arcs that create a stunning profile. The sleek aerodynamics and sweeping curves create a look that makes it stand out in any environment.
Our Trailhawk spec is a more pronounced off-roader and this is evident in a lifted suspension, slimmer dimensions, more tapered approach/departure angles, protection plates at the bottom, more plastic panels at the front, rear and bonnet, and the red tow hooks which make it look unstoppable.
The interior is made of high quality leather and is very Cherokee-like. Its features include a seven-inch full colour cluster with a host of controls on a chunky steering wheel, 8,4-inch display, dual zone AC and keyless go, to name a few.
Quite intriguing are the binocular-inspired instrument clusters which echo Jeep’s war legacy, while red stitching and stripes around the gear and instrument clusters echo the American Nascar/hot-rod legacy.
Infotainment and connectivity comes courtesy of a fourth generation U-Connect system comprising with navigation, Apple car play and Android Auto. It has all the modern tweaks such as satellite radio, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, leaving very little to be desired.
On the road, the Compass Trailhawk is not as responsive as we expected. Though it has decent power, it’s neither disappointing nor thrilling – just adequate for a young family.
The compass is driven by a two-litre four-cylinder 16V Tigershark multi-air engine, producing 125kW, 180 hp translating to 300Nm torque allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in nine seconds. The power hungry will have to wait a little longer for a performance SRT spec.
Transmission is via a nine-speed auto. Nine gears translates into in a smoother transmission and ride altogether, making it feel like a cruiser; a car you would enjoy driving on long distances. Besides, you will need only five litres for every 100km.
It’s impossible to talk about Jeep without talking off-road. Jeep goes flat out to manufacture the most capable off-roaders and even claims the Compass is the most capable sub-compact SUV ever.
This is a hardcore off-roader thanks to its build architecture, excellent approach and departure angles.
For a car meant for a young family, you have peace of mind knowing that you are surrounded by six airbags and more than 70 safety and security features which play along with active and passive safety features delivering outstanding protection.
The Jeep Compass has a five-star safety rating under the Euro NCAP.
