Jeep Compass test drive since 2006 crossover

Compass left the row

The legendary Jeep sank to the parquet. And he did the right thing
 
To say that the crossover segment develops violently is the same as saying nothing. According to fresh statistics, the growth rate in this market sector in most countries exceeds the average market indicators several times. Now, only the lazy automaker does not make all possible efforts to replenish the model range with a full -wheel drive car with a decent clearance and a body, as a rule, of medium sizes. The same Frenchmen, for example, had never previously thought about making SUVs, took, and constructed their SUV. What to say about a brand that has a unique experience and glorious traditions in jeep construction. Jeep taught cars to serve in the army, crawl along the slopes of the mountains and run along desert velvens. Although the models of the last generations are very comfortable in the city line. But Compass is knocked out not only from the militaristic series, but also from the line of SUVs under the Jeep label. It is almost passenger and almost parquet. Therefore, suitable for citizens in some respects is better than their brothers. He is able to compete with numerous models from different manufacturers. Perhaps that he can quite like the Russian consumer.
 
Genetic Engineering
 
There is no doubt in the origin of the compass - genes, as they say, are evident, or on the face. The branded grille of the radiator, round headlights and original proportions - everything suggests that we have a compact representative of the Jeep family. He inherited from the ancestors the style and even brutality, which fans of the brand value especially. But at the same time, designers and designers still seriously worked with his genes, so that the next offspring of an old family looks like a sort of dandy, which is more suitable for not the farm, but the night club of the metropolis.
 
Original wheeled arches, large lighting equipment from the back, and in general, a pleasant exterior, are noteworthy. It seems to be an SUV, and in overall dimensions a little more than a golf-class station wagon; It seems to be decent clearance, and overhangs are small, but somehow it is immediately clear that it is good to travel along the highway, and not to storm the swamps.
 
Since we are still talking about SUV, we note a spacious luggage compartment with a volume of 436 liters. Moreover, the backs of the rear seats can be cleaned in a ratio of 40/60, forming an even floor and increasing the place for the luggage of at least 1270 liters. In addition, the emerging seat of the front passenger should be noted, which solves the problem of transporting long -sized items. Moreover, if you order Compass in a rich configuration, then on the back of the trunk door you will receive two folding columns of the Boston Acoustics audio system. It sounds, no matter how difficult it is to guess, just excellent, and besides, you can connect an MP3 player to it. A special stand - however, only under Apple IPOD, and a quite ordinary plug will allow access to an almost unlimited volume of musical records.
 
In a word, there are almost all components for outdoor activities, which, mainly, is designed by the car. In addition, the back is convenient and spacious, and the backs can bend over 12 degrees. The driver's seat is well profiled. You can choose a convenient landing without difficulty, despite the branded feature - the steering column moves only in height. The instrument shield is quite concise. However, partly the salon reminds the decoration of Dodge Caliber - a front -wheel drive and also not so long ago debuting a fellow for the concern.
 
What is somewhat surprised is the rough and movable armrest, as well as the hard plastic of the torpedo and door panels. On the other hand, the central console is understandable in circulation, and the deliberate rudeness of finishing materials may partly be justified by the American origin of the car and the image of the Jeep brand. In any case, the Compass interior does not cause serious complaints and are quite functional.
 
Assertive character
 
The running qualities also left a pleasant impression. 2.4-liter gasoline power unit with a capacity of 170 hp It gives the model a completely acceptable dynamics. This is the most powerful option, which was proposed as part of a test drive. But in the range there is also a 2.0-liter turbodiesel that develops 140 hp. and working exclusively in pairs with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The modification we tested, equipped with a variator, although it could not please with amazing dynamics, but allowed me to feel quite confident not only in a dense city stream, but also on suburban highways. When the accelerator squeezes, the tachometer arrow jumps to the mark of 5000 rpm, and a rather assertive and even acceleration begins. True, the variator is still somewhat thoughtful, the pause between a sharp press on the pedal and the motor reaction is not theatrical, but noticeable. There is an opportunity to manually pass all six pseudo -awards of the variator, which may like active drivers. Effective power implementation is also facilitated by a permanent all -wheel drive system.
 
In this regard, Compass is quite seriously different from its brothers in the brand. The heart of the all -wheel drive system is a coupling with electronic control, which is installed on a differential in the rear axle. It is she who is responsible for the transfer of the moment to the rear wheels through a two -stage system of friction couplings. Moreover, the control unit constantly controls the distribution of power between the axes, taking into account the speed of movement, the radius of rotation and the degree of wheel slipping. Electronics work in a close relationship with the ESP stabilization system, which is standard Compass equipment.
 
Under ordinary conditions, 80-90% of the power falls on the front axle. But it is worth the wheels to cure how up to 60% of the moment will be directed back, which provides a confident start on slippery coating and the almost front -wheel drive character of the car. What, I want to notice, is nice. Indeed, in this case, the car becomes quite friendly to the driver, and in critical situations the ESP stabilization system will come to the rescue. On the other hand, the same feature deprives a car of certain off -road qualities - to participate in Off -Road competitions, this is clearly not for Compass. However, the car has a blocking of the center differential, which is activated by a special lever directly from the cabin. In this case, the power of the power unit will be distributed between the front and rear wheels in an equal proportion, which will help to overcome, albeit not heavy, but still off -road.
 
On the other hand, the designers did not intend to endow Compass with special off -road abilities. This car can overcome a light virgin land, and perhaps it does not need more. In addition, not too large moves of completely independent pendants and carrying the body, albeit with an enhanced frame, are not particularly disposed to the role of the attack aircraft. At the same time, the road clearance is not very small - 200 mm, which, along with overhangs, provides the so -called entry angle of 21 degrees, and the angle of the congress is 32 degrees. Moreover, these capabilities do not interfere with Compass completely decent to behave on hard coatings.
 
The rotation is rather neutral, with a slight tendency to insufficient. Quite comfortable suspension settings cope well with road flaws and at the same time do not roll the body in vihi. It is also pleasant that the steering is quite informative, and the Compass brakes deserve a high rating - the power of calipers with more than enough even in emergency situations. In a word, a completely friendly and predicted crossover in behavior.
 
Before and after the new year
 
To, that is, now, in the interior of the official dealers of the brand there are versions of Jeep Compass with mechanics and with a variator, but only with a gasoline engine. Prices - from 24,900 euros.
 
After, that is, in the spring of next year, a modification with a diesel power unit will appear in Russia. How much it will cost until I can say, because the importer has not yet been finalized with the cost.
 
Compass, in my opinion, has a chance to increase the share of Jeep cars in the Russian market. Although at a price he enters into a difficult competition with Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V and Chevrolet Captiva. There is nothing to be done here, much will depend on advertising and, of course, on the availability of cars.
 
Text: Andrey Osipov
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 21 (110), 2006]