THOSE seeking a new direction in their motoring lives could do worse than look at Jeep's revamped Compass.

The iconic off-road company has given its compact Sport Utility Vehicle a comprehensive redesign inside and out in an effort to attract a wider customer base.

It's a common theme these days as motor manufacturers increasingly build cars that blur the traditional demarcation lines in the search for sales.

For the Compass this means retaining strengths - such as exceptional levels of equipment, interior flexibility and economy - and adding a stylishly rugged exterior design, revised chassis, new engine line up and a completely revised cabin.

Jeep has added a two-wheel drive version of the Compass to the range, but for those who put tradition before running costs and want serious off-road credentials the 4x4 model I tested will always be the choice.

Get behind the wheel in the re-worked cabin and you appreciate the airy atmosphere, sumptuously comfortable bucket seat and padded armrest which has a split lid giving good storage options.

Look around the well laid out dashboard and centre console and you begin to appreciate Jeep's commitment to luxury levels of kit at a decent price isn't a gimmick.

The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and contains controls for the cruise control - available on all Compass models - and the classy sound system.

Step up to the well-equipped Limited model I drove and as well as the Sport and Sport+ models' front and rear electric windows, alloy wheels, USB socket, climate control and Bluetooth connectivity, there is a decent dash of leather upholstery, heated front seats and a six-disc CD autochanger.

There are also backlit switches for the door handles and locks as well as powered mirrors while a number of clever touches include a boot light that unclips to become a torch.

Not content with these delights Jeep throws in a satellite navigation system featuring a 30-gigabyte hard drive which can store thousands of songs while also allowing the user to put together playlists as well as view picture files and videos.

The system features a 6.5-inch touch-screen display where real-time traffic information is also available.

As well as appealing to traditional 4x4 fans, Jeep is also hoping the Compass attracts hatchback owners looking to trade up as well as drivers looking to downsize.

With this in mind the amount of space on offer is critical and the Compass does a good job of being a car for all reasons.

The roomy interior can cope with three adults in the back as leg, head and shoulder room are generous and it's a similar story for the driver and front-seat passenger.

The boot is also reasonably spacious with the rear seats folding flat when extra space is needed. There are also lots of handy storage cubby holes dotted around.

Jeep fits every Compass with stability control, six airbags as well as a system that can brake individual wheels to stop the car rolling over. Active front head restraints help to minimise whiplash injuries if you are struck from behind.

Jeep expects the majority of customers to plump for the new 2.2-litre CRD turbo diesel engine which offers either 134bhp or 161bhp.

The four-cylinder oil burner, jointly developed with Mercedes-Benz, delivers improved fuel efficiency compared to the 2.0-litre power unit it replaces.

There's also plenty of pulling power for those with caravans or trailers to tow. Also available are 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol engines featuring electronically-controlled timing which produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than before.

So all in all the Compass looks to be a compact SUV heading in the right direction.