Jeep Compass Arrives in Australia

Jeep compass 600

The compact new Jeep® Compass SUV is now on sale in Australia, combining sophisticated new styling with capability, economy and value underscored by the introduction of two wheel drive variants. “The introduction of the new Compass is a key element in building the Jeep brand to new heights in Australia,” said Clyde Campbell, Chief Executive Officer for Chrysler Australia. “2012 will be a landmark year for the brand, with aggressive volume targets that Compass will drive to new levels,” said Campbell.

New 2012 Jeep® Compass is beautifully redesigned, reflecting the styling cues of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee
Impressive compact SUV fuel economy and off-road capability, and innovative interior features combine to provide excellent value

Exceptional ride and handling performance in all weather conditions is the result of upgraded steering and suspension systems
2012 Jeep Compass features more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags

The new Compass boasts a host of interior refinements, with soft touch points and high quality materials along with improved ride and handling characteristics courtesy of upgraded steering and suspension systems.

2012 Jeep® Compass features a sophisticated new design, with cues coming directly from the brand’s premium icon, the multiple award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee. Coupled with a tasteful interior and refined ride and handling characteristics that excel in all conditions, Jeep Compass offers a unique blend of premium styling, capability, efficiency and value that is set to broaden the brand’s stake in the compact-SUV segment.

Calibration improvements to the available continuously- variable transmission II (CVT2) provide drivers with better launch acceleration, smoother deceleration when coasting from 40km/h, improved pedal responsiveness and reduced engine revolutions per minute (rpm) when accelerating at mid-throttle. Delivering the packaging and interior flexibility of an SUV with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car, the 2012 Jeep Compass also boasts more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability program (ESC), electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist (with manual transmission), side-curtain air bags for all rows and available front-seat-mounted side air bags.

The 2012 Jeep Compass offers an array of clever features consumers will appreciate whether commuting to work, driving in challenging weather conditions, or exploring new trails or out-of-the-way places. Uconnect® media center with iPod interface, satellite navigation, power sunroof, a premium audio system with nine Boston Acoustic speakers, illuminated cup holders, liftgate speakers and fold-flat rear seats are some of the available cool features that make the Compass the perfect compact SUV, enabling consumers to enjoy any adventure.

The 2012 Jeep Compass is packed with standard features that provide value and convenience for drivers and passengers. Standard features include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power/heated exterior mirrors, keyless entry, 17-inch aluminium wheels, fog lamps, cruise control, illuminated cup holders, a removable/rechargeable light, outside temperature display, electronic stability control, front driver and passenger active head restraints, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, all-row side-curtain air bags, anti-lock disc brakes, 60/40 fold-flat rear seat and sunscreen glass.

Elegant Design
The new 2011 Jeep Compass has a distinct family resemblance to the all-new, premium 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

With a new bonnet, new front guards, new fascia and new headlamps as well as a new grille that has been detailed with a small dose of chrome surrounding the traditional seven slots found on all Jeep vehicles, the new face of the Compass features a more serious, yet sophisticated, appearance. Forward lighting performance is improved with the use of quad reflector headlamps, and the fog lamps are now high output projector lamps. Adding an element of muscle, the bonnet has been enhanced with a subtle power bulge. The result is a vehicle that projects an attitude that is much more serious and conveys the Compass’ capability in all weather and driving conditions.

New brightwork throughout the exterior lends an upscale touch without compromising the off-road performance of the Compass. A band of protective cladding has been added for the new model, serving to fend off debris when driving in challenging weather conditions or off-road, and completing the new appearance.

This trend continues with enhancements to the rear of the Compass. A new rear fascia, new body-colour rear spoiler and subtle, upscale touches including new LED taillamps and on the Limited model, bright trim on the step pad and a chrome exhaust tip adorn the new Jeep Compass. Topping it off, a new set of roof rails were designed with a slimmed down appearance and a small amount of brightwork. The Compass sports new, standard 17-inch aluminium wheels, and 18-inch aluminium wheels adorn the Limited model. Interior upgrades for the Jeep Compass include new soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface; a new center armrest; a new Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls that allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, available handsfree phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel; new cloth interior with premium bucket seats in the front; standard cruise control on all models; new backlighting of door switches, door locks, windows and power mirror controls.

Legendary Capability
The 2012 Jeep Compass offers customers 4×4 off-road capability with Jeep Freedom Drive as well as excellent fuel economy in its segment. Jeep Compass is available in Australia in two drivetrain configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Compass also is available with Freedom Drive I. This system is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel-drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Compass in four-wheel-drive lock mode to handle deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The 2012 Jeep Compass’ powertrain is designed to deliver world-class performance in all weather conditions, fuel economy and refinement, all at an affordable price. Compass features a standard 2.0-litre that provides 115 kW and 190 Nm of torque when coupled with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT2), and delivers excellent combined cycle economy of 7.6L/100km when mated to the five-speed manual transmission. The proven 2.4-litre engine is optional on Sport and standard on Limited, producing 125 kW and 220 Nm of torque. This 2.4-litre engine has dual variable-valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds and produces more power, better fuel economy and smoother, quieter operation than engines without dual VVT. The Jeep Compass’ 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transaxle in front-wheel drive configuration delivers 8.5L/100km combined cycle.

Jeep Compass also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle on the entry-level Compass Sport model and a CVT that is available on the Compass Sport model and standard on the Limited model. The Compass’ CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for a pleasing engine response and precise ratio control. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6 to 8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic. The Compass CVT2 also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle because of optimised gear ratios, especially in the 50–100 km/h range during passing maneuvers.

The 2012 Jeep Compass also provides up to 1,500kg of towing capacity.

Jeep Compass Model Lineup
The 2012 Jeep Compass is available in two configurations: Compass Sport and Limited. Both are available the Freedom Drive I full-time, active 4×4 system, with the Sport variant also being offered in front wheel drive.

The 2012 Jeep Compass Sport model is powered by the 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine which produces 115 kW and 190 Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Standard features include: electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist, advanced multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, all-row side curtain air bags, front driver and passenger active head restraints, 17-inch aluminium wheels, anti-lock front and rear disc brakes, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power-heated exterior mirrors, body-colour exterior door handles and liftgate brow, illuminated keyless entry, illuminated cup holders, removable/rechargeable flashlight, driver seat height adjuster, floor mats, outside temperature display, deluxe alarm, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), fold-flat front passenger seat, rear 60/40 split flat-folding folding seat with recline, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control and projector fog lamps.

In addition to the features that are standard on the Sport model, the 2012 Jeep Compass Limited standard features include: continuously variable transmission II (CVT2), leather-trimmed front and rear seats, heated front seats, 6-way driver power seat adjustment and manual lumbar support adjust, 40GB touchscreen CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio with uconnect phone, auto-dimming rearview mirror, deep tint sunscreen glass, 18-inch aluminium wheels, automatic temperature control, bright exhaust tip and bright accent on rear fascia.

The 2012 Jeep Compass is available in the following exterior colours: Black Clear, Bright Silver Metallic Clear, Bright White Clear and Tungsten Metallic Clear, with late availability on Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl, Rescue Green Pearl, Copperhead Pearl and True Blue Pearl.

Available options include the Freedom Drive I four-wheel drive systems, 2.4-litre four cylinder engine producing 125 kW and 220 Nm of torque, power sunroof, Uconnect phone with iPod connectivity, driver- and passenger-front-seat mounted air bags, power sunroof, premium nine-speaker audio system with liftgate speakers and satellite navigation.

Built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, the 2012 Jeep Compass models is now available in Australian showrooms where it joins the Jeep Patriot, Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee range to complete the most impressive Jeep range to ever be offered in Australia.

Technical Specifications
2.4L DOHC 16-valve I-4 VVT Petrol (Limited or Sport models)

Power (kW @ rpm) 125 @ 6,000
Torque (N.m @ rpm) 220 @ 4,500
Capacity (cm3) 2,359
Transmissions 5-speed manual or CVT with manual shift mode

Fuel consumption (L/100km) Manual / CVT
Urban cycle 10.9 / 11.5
Extra-urban cycle 7.1 / 7.0
Combined cycle 8.5 / 8.6
CO2 (g/km) 201 / 199

2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4 VVT Petrol (Sport model)
Power (kW @ rpm) 115 @ 6,300
Torque (N.m @ rpm) 190 @ 5,100
Capacity (cm3) 1,998
Transmissions 5-speed manual or CVT with manual shift mode
Fuel consumption (L/100km) Manual / CVT
Urban cycle 10.2 / 10.7
Extra-urban cycle 6.1 / 6.7
Combined cycle 7.6 / 8.2
CO2 (g/km) 175 / 190

Pricing*
Sport Limited
2.0L Manual 2WD $ 26,500 N/A
2.0L CVT Auto 2WD $ 28,500 N/A
2.4L Manual 4WD $ 28,500 N/A
2.4L CVT Auto 4WD $ 30,500 $34,000

Premium Paint $450 $450
Deep Tint Glass $400 Std
Safety & Comfort1 $800 $550
Uconnect Phone $450 Std
Power Sunroof N/A $2,000
Technology Group2 N/A $2,750

1) Supplemental front seat side air bags, heated front seats and tyre pressure display
2) Boston Acoustics MusicGate Power® sound system, Uconnect Phone, CD/DVD/HDD Navigation Radio
*Base Vehicle Price excl government changes & dealer delivery

About Rob Fraser 2479 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.