Continuing the renewal of its Jeep-branded model line, Chrysler, again at the Detroit show, unveiled an updated version of its Compass compact crossover, familiar to motorists since 2007. And even if this is more of a "deep restyling", and not a completely new model, it is obvious that the designers and engineers of the company have done a serious job: they corrected the shortcomings of the awkward style of exterior design, eliminated the causes of poor sound insulation and "pumped" the previously weak off-road qualities.
According to the statements of Brian Nathan, the chief engineer of the company, in the conditions of limited time and money, they did the maximum. The car received a more adult appearance (in the spirit of its older brother - Grand Cherokee), which was based on the proprietary radiator grille with seven vertical slots. New forms of fenders, hood, optics and bumper not only improved the perception of the exterior, but also have practical value. The unpainted gray bumper of the new Jeep Compass is not afraid of chips, the foglights have become more powerful, and the new rectangular head optics received additional lamps - now there are four of them.
Roof rails emphasize the aerodynamic profile.
The rear has received a body-colored spoiler and LED brake lights. The top-of-the-range Limited (and then there are Compass and Latitude) features chrome trims for the grille, rear optics and exhaust tips, as well as 18-inch alloy or chrome wheels that are different in design from the standard 17-inch ones.
The changes to the Jeep Compass FL's interior are not as noticeable. The dashboard has become more rounded, the dials have become slightly different, and the air ducts have changed the geometry.
Much more interesting has become a new, thicker, multi-wheel from which it became possible to control the phone, media system and other electronic systems. Finally, the hard plastic in the doors, armrests and dashboard trim has been replaced by a more expensive soft-touch material.
Already in the basic configuration, the updated Compass amazes with its generosity. The "base" includes: SmartKey system, cruise control and electric sunroof, air conditioning and power accessories, as well as speakers in the tailgate. And the list of additional options includes: illuminated cupholders, U-connect control system with iPod connectivity and Boston Acoustic sound system with nine speakers, and Garmin navigation.
To increase luggage space - the back of the rear sofa now folds flush with the floor.
Specifications. For the Jeep Compass FL, the same two gasoline engines are offered as power units: a 2.0-liter with 158 hp. and a 170-horsepower 2.4-liter, there are diesel options (but only for the US market).
We are interested in the 2.4-liter one (in fact, it is the only one available for the Russian market) - this engine (together with a variator) accelerates a one and a half ton car “to a hundred” in 11.3 seconds. The good news is that "the engine is the same, but not the same" - thanks to the technology of variable valve timing Dual VVT, engineers managed to significantly reduce its voracity (gasoline consumption in mixed mode is now about 8.6 liters), as well as reduce vibration and noise emitted them. By the way, the high noise insulation of the updated Compass Jeep is the pride of the engineers.
By the way, all engines (except the 2.4-liter) are paired with a six-speed manual transmission, and the 2.4-liter, as already noted, with a variator.
As transmissions are offered: front-wheel drive version and two all-wheel drive: Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II. Freedom Drive I is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch for positive locking, and in the second version, the system works with a second generation CVT, which has a "low gear" mode.
The power steering remains traditional - hydraulic, but the steering performance has improved, thanks to new springs and shock absorbers, as well as stiffer anti-roll bars.
The new Compass with Freedom Drive II transmission can be supplied with a "Trail Rated" package, which has: increased ground clearance to 220 mm, tow hooks and a full-size spare wheel. But, in any case, this car is equipped with a large number of safety systems (more than 30), including several airbags (including side curtains), rollover protection, stability control and assistance when driving uphill or downhill.
Options and prices. The cost of the 2012 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2 in the US starts at $ 19,295, while the Limited 4x4 version starts at $ 24,295. In Russia, you can buy an updated Jeep Compass (2012 model year) for 1 million 289 thousand rubles. On the Russian market, this car is presented in the only configuration - "Limited", which includes: four-wheel drive, a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with 170 hp. + CVT II ...
