New 4-cylinder engine

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

To power the Compass and guarantee interesting fuel economy, DaimlerChrysler got together with Hyundai and Mitsubishi to create a new world-class 4-cylinder engine. Developing 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque, this 2.4-liter unit is fitted to two types of transmissions. A 5-speed manual, which we find easy to manipulate; the speeds are well spaced apart while providing good engine braking. In the case of the automatic transmission, Jeep follows the new trend among manufacturers: it has chosen a continuously-variable gearbox, or CVT2. You have to get used to the operation of this new type of transmission. Almost all the manufacturers will use it to reduce fuel consumption. A CVT operates without gear changes, and assures a constant drive as well as a better torque transfer. The Limited model benefits from an AutoStick mode. This mode has 6 pre-determined ratio levels. Personally, I like it better than the normal automatic transmission or the AutoStick in 'D' position. In both these cases, the engine seems to strain constantly and is noisy. Also, engine braking is very limited or even non-existent. The AutoStick mode, especially in heavy traffic, allows for easy passing. On a twisty road, it also offers the "right gear" for passing or slowing down.

Spacious cabin

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

A good mention is in order for interior space, front and back. The Compass offers a lot of legroom. The loading capacity of the trunk, with a wide opening, is variable to its advantage; there is a 60/40-split rear seatback, and in North and Limited models, the front-passenger seatback can be folded down, for carrying 8-foot-long objects. The test cars were high-level Limited models, which include leather seats. While the front seats offer good lateral support, the leather on the rear bench makes it slippery. The bulging shapes of the rear seat cushion and seatback are rather uncomfortable; that should be looked at. It's sad, because the Compass counts on a practical angle adjustment of the seatback for passenger comfort. In both front and rear, there are numerous cupholders and storage spaces, although small ones.

Traction and handling
We only tried out models equipped with all-wheel drive. I preferred the ones equipped with the manual transmission, but like I said before, it's manageable with the AutoStick in manual mode. With a well-calibrated

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

4-wheel independent suspension, the Compass hangs on the road pretty well. Even in tight curves on damp or wet roads, I felt very secure. The car understeers very little. On wet roads, I'd use the 4-wheel mode for full-time traction.

The big downside is the thickness of the A-pillar; it literally blocks the view while making a left turn. Jeep isn't the only manufacturer with this problem. In a recent test, I noticed the same shortcoming with the Volvo S40 and V50. Manufacturers must reduce the width of this pillar by using stronger materials, such as titanium.

We also tested the Compass on sandy beaches, and I can tell you that these SUVs impressed me. They can be counted on in the snowy conditions. If we get stuck or encounter very thick snow, the electronic

(Photo: Amyot Bachand)

control mode should be turned off to get better traction or to clear obstacles, and avoid slowing down or misguiding the efforts of the all-wheel drive system.

A good first impression
The Jeep Compass Limited with all-wheel drive fits right in among compact SUVs. Spacious and comfortable up front, it offers good handling and an efficient all-wheel drive mode. It will be interesting to try out the other versions of the Compass in order to get a better opinion and to fully measure them up against the competition.