From its stylised seven-bar, signature radiator grille, to its tailgate Limited badge, the Compass should be an SUV that whips the carpet out from beneath the Kia Sportage’s twinkle toes. Sadly, it does not in a like-for-like comparison; despite a competitive 1.43-tonnes kerbweight, the 120bhp engine feels unwilling to provide the best of its 236lbs ft of torque developed from a lowly 1,750rpm.
Although it will despatch the 0-60mph sprint in a modest 10.7s, before topping out at 115mph, this Jeep never feels as brisk as it ought to. Yet, there is always a trade-off somewhere and, with a posted 64.2mpg potential, emitting a mere 117g/km CO2, this Compass is more eco and tax-friendly-hatchback than front-driven ‘truck’. In fact, with gearing that makes a sixth gear, 60mph cruise a loping, unstressed and refined 1,500rpm, it has no difficulty in displaying a ‘50-99mpg’ constantly green band on the graphic econometer, located neatly between the speedometer and rev-counter, which makes the fuel claim believable.
Of course, as a Jeep, this Compass feels as hewn-from-the-solid as anything capable of competing the Rubicon Trail, even though it is stoically front-wheel drive and would rely on its traction control to make unwavering progress. It is that impression of solidity that engenders the maximum of support. The doors close with a reassuring ‘thunk’ and its neatly manicured, soft-touch interior is as good as any rival carrying a heftier price tag.
It is unerringly spacious too. A good range of both driver’s seat (electric) and steering column (manual) adjustment results in an imperious driving position. Yet, even behind a two metres tall driver, there is abundant space for rear seat occupants and the 60:40-split rear bench provides 438-litres of boot space that can be expanded to 1,693-litres, with the seats folded. Access is via an electric (optional £300) hatchback to a luxury carpeted floor.
Keyless entry and start (by depressing the button twice, where a key might normally go) is part of a cosseting and comprehensively equipped package in Limited trim. Its well-located and reactive touchscreen caters for the majority of functions, even though separate manual switches double up. Strangely, the volume and station controls for the bassy Beats audio system are located behind the cross-spokes of the steering wheel, although familiarity does breed with usage.
With an on-the-road, pre-discount list price of £29,760 (not including £3,500 of optional extras), the Compass represents good value for money. However, its slightly jiggly ride quality can be upset by mid-bend bumps and its lumbering gait will not appeal to everybody. Overall, it is a handsome machine, possessing more than enough Jeep styling cues to make it stand out from its key rivals. If you desire a bit of additional punch, there are 140 and 170bhp engines available but I do assure you, they will be nowhere near as frugal as the 1.6-litre turbodiesel.
