By on 2011-04-10 -
Iconic Jeep back in
the big time
IT is remarkable how often the fates conspire to weave the fortunes of diverse businesses into a single strand of technical excellence.
Jeep and Land Rover, two of the world's leading 4x4 specialists, are a prime example of this phenomenon.
In the late 1940's Rover engineers reputedly dissected a Willy's Jeep to produce a Land Rover that was even more impressive off-road than the benchmark Jeep.
Yet despite a see-saw rise in fortunes, and increased pressure from relative newcomers like Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW, and Honda, the competition for pole position among 4x4s remains between the undisputed the top two - and this has just hotted up with Jeep taking the covers off its 2011 Compass range.
Although designers have rounded off the front and rear with new styling, the overall box like shape immediately identifies this vehicle as a Jeep. It is this styling exercise, alongside the fact that two-wheel drive versions will be in the mix from August, makes me think this iconic brand has another winner on its hands.
Leading the charge is the flagship 70th Anniversary model, costing £23,995. But the vehicle of choice is the slightly cheaper 161 bhp, 2.2 litre diesel CRD, 4x4 Limited.
This is a serious off-roader, with a specification worthy of any executive sector saloon, and yet it is reasonably priced at £23,595.
Air conditioning, cruise control, soft touch quality coverings, and leather seats grace the roomy interior, which caters for up to five adults all encased in relative safety, due to a strong body shell, side, curtain, front and rear airbags, and a host of other safety and security systems.
The Compass is however, not just a pretty face with all terrain capability, it is also a proven workhorse.
It is able to swallow 1,269 litres of luggage with the rear seats folded, and its maximum towing weight-braked trailer is 1,200kg.
With this kind of all-action ability the power, suspension and running gear needs to be up to scratch.
On the road, irrespective of whether it was along twisty lanes or dual carriageways, the manual gearbox related to the diesel unit very well offering smooth transition through the gears under braking, cornering or accelerating.
Talking of acceleration, this chunky all-wheel drive vehicle can reach 62mph in 9.8 seconds. It tops out at 125mph whilst returning 42.8 mpg on average with a CO2 rating of 172g/km.
Overall I could not fault it. But if I was looking for a fault, I suppose the ride was a little too harsh, and that I put down to the 18-inch alloy wheels. I would prefer the 17-inchers which should offer a softer ride.
That said, some of the road surfaces I tried left a lot to be desired.
There are four trim levels in the eight-model line-up, a choice of petrol or diesel power as well auto and manual variations.
The entry model Sport 4x2, will carry a price tag of £16,995. That is followed by a Sport Plus at £17,995, and a Limited CVT 4x4 at £21,695.
So who, between the two legendary 4x4 specialists has the bragging rights?
Both Jeep and Land Rover undoubtedly excel in this rarefied market sector, and yet with their origins so closely intertwined by history, just who gets the title is too close to call. I think it all comes down the personal taste of the buyer.
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