Jeep Compass Trailhawk Brief Review

The Jeep Compass is categorised in the hotly contested small SUV segment. The latest model was launched in the middle of last year with some basic models

Jeep Compass 2

We drove the Compass Trailhawk that was released near the end of the year and now they have a further specification model: the Night Eagle.

Even the base models come with many driver assistance systems including Traffic signal recognition, adaptive cruise control, drowsy Driver detection, and rear cross-traffic detections.

The Trailhawk is the only one with a diesel engine: 2 litre and the need for AdBlue which means it meets the Euro 6D level of Emissions standard.

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Like all models bar the base launch edition, the Trailhawk has four-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic gearbox.

I would have liked the steering wheel adjustment to make it a bit closer to the driver (I like legroom but not with your arms nearly fully extended).

The digital dash provided some good options with some choices in your preferred information and it was easy to read. There was also a 10.1-inch infotainment screen.

A few of the controls were a bit different from the norm that took getting used to.

But the exterior looks were impressive for this category of vehicle. The pictures don’t do it justice but Jeep has managed to make it look more than a box without awkward features that look like they are tacked on – like the flares over the wheel arches.

Good off-road but $51,250 plus on roads to buy.

 

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Definitions:

  • Traffic Sign Recognition: Standard across the range, uses a front-facing camera to detect the speed limit and the related road signs, including those that prohibit overtaking.
  • Intelligent Speed Assist: Combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Traffic Sign Recognition, suggesting the driver automatically adjust the speed according to the limits indicated by the road signs.It comes as standard on all versions.
  • Drowsy Driver Alert: Tracks vehicle movement and interaction, such as lane deviation and steering-wheel input over time, for driving behaviour consistent with that of a drowsy driver. When certain thresholds are reached, the system responds with audio and/or visual cautions for the driver to pull over. The feature comes standard on all models.
  • Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclist Recognition: Alerts the driver of the danger and brings the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid collision with a pedestrian or a cyclist (standard on all versions).

 

About David Brown 607 Articles
David’s boyhood passion for motor cars did not immediately lead to a professional role in the motor industry. A qualified Civil Engineer he specialised in traffic engineering and transport planning. What followed were various positions including being seconded to a government think-tank for the planning of transport firstly in Sydney and then for the whole of NSW. After working with the NRMA and as a consultant he moved to being an independent writer and commentator on the broader areas of transport and the more specific areas of the cars we drive. His half hour motoring program “Overdrive” has been described as an “informed, humorous and irreverent look at motoring and transport from Australia and overseas”. It is heard on 22 stations across Australia. He does weekly interviews with several ABC radio stations and is also heard on commercial radio in Sydney. David has written for metropolitan and regional newspapers and has presented regular segments on metropolitan and regional television stations. David is also a contributor for AnyAuto