JEEP is an American icon but, very noticeably, there are many more Jeeps on - and off - UK roads these days, and that's mainly because it is now making cars that suit our roads and tastes.

The Renegade was the first of them but it's the Compass, which sits in the range between the Renegade and the larger Cherokee, which has the potential to knock down many more British doors. However, it's up against stiff competition in the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Volkswagen Tiguan.

In the UK, the Compass is offered with two petrol and three diesel engines and a new plug-in hybrid. It comes in three trims - Sport, Longitude, Limited - the top-of-the-range in terms of refinement, standard tech and equipment, and in two- and four-wheel drive.

The 1.4-litre, 168bhp petrol version here officially returns 30.4mpg and I managed a pleasing 27mpg over a week with it.

Limited spec guarantees leather upholstery, heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, an upgraded Beats audio system, heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry.

Chrome roof rails, automatic wipers, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, park assist and 18-inch alloys. There's also the latest version of Fiat Chrysler's easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system - an 8.4-inch screen with satnav, AppleCarPlay and Android Auto.

There's plenty of room in the cabin, lots of head and legroom, and adults can easily sit in the rear seats. The 438-litre boot comes with a handy flat loading floor.

Unlike its rivals, the Compass is no ‘soft-roader'. It retains all the legendary off-road capabilities of the Jeep brand courtesy of its advanced 4x4 system, rear axle disconnect, Selec-Terrain traction control, and hill descent control. Should you want it to, the Compass will go virtually anywhere.

On the road, the Compass doesn't quite match its off-road prowess. On smooth, major roads it motors along nicely, especially with the nine-speed auto taking the strain, and it's certainly quieter than its smaller sibling. There is a little wind noise but that's expected in a vehicle of this shape and size.

However, just like the Renegade, on more demanding roads, it's a different story. While around town it is sure-footed and steady, it loses much of its composure on twistier country roads, leaning through tight corners which also tend to catch out the nine-speed auto, which can hold on to gears for too long. For country comfort and cornering stability, it's no match for rivals.

However, if it's that legendary ruggedness you want, it will leave those rivals stranded.

And, as a family SUV, it's perfect, coming with a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. No less than 70 safety features either come as standard or can be fitted optionally, highlighting just how important safety is in a class where most customers are families.