For Jeep the latest territory to conquest is the compact SUV market segment.

To succeed, they have created the Compass, a modern interpretation of the SUV theme that reinterprets the distinctive Jeep's elements like the seven-slot grille, the round headlamps and the trapezoidal wheel openings, in a refined urban version: “an all-new design statement for Jeep”, according to Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design.

The technical features include fully independent suspensions and front- and four-wheel drive.

The interior provides a comfortable and roomy space with extended functionality.

The 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models will go on sale in the third quarter of 2006.

Form the official Press Release:

The Jeep® brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new 2007 Jeep Compass - a modern-styled Jeep vehicle that delivers fun, freedom, utility and Jeep 4x4 capability. Jeep Compass also provides exceptional fuel economy, a long list of safety features and interior flexibility, all at a great value.

Jeep Compass' debut at 2006 Detroit Motor Show

Based on the Jeep Compass concept first introduced at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, the 2007 Jeep Compass is an all-new product that combines the packaging and functionality of a sport-utility vehicle (SUV) with the performance, handling, fuel economy and price of a compact car or small pickup.

Compass is the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling and fun-to-drive characteristics.

Jeep Compass will be available in both front- and four-wheel drive.

“Compact and nimble, Jeep Compass brings a new sense of adventure, performance, fuel-economy and value not expected in a compact SUV,” said Jeff Bell, Vice President — Jeep, Chrysler Group.

“With Compass, Jeep continues to grow by offering a modern-styled Jeep designed to reach consumers who may not have previously considered the brand. Jeep Compass provides 4x4 confidence, brand cachet and the inspiring sense of excitement and adventure that only Jeep can offer,” Bell added.

The 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models will be available in U.S. dealerships and global volume markets in the third quarter of 2006.

The compact SUV segment

Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2004 calendar year was 297,000 units or 1.7 percent of the market. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to 568,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to 814,000 units by 2016.

With the all-new Jeep Compass, Jeep is targeting single or recently married educated professionals in their early 20s to early 40s, who are independent and family-oriented. These buyers skew female and earn a median income of $60,000. Fifty percent are college educated.

Upscale, fashionable and refined items fit their lifestyle. They want a sophisticated and modern vehicle that allows them to break from the routine, and Jeep Compass is designed and engineered to exceed those needs.

Design: A Modern Interpretation of Traditional Jeep Styling

Sleek and sophisticated, the Jeep Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered the brand.

“The Jeep Compass is an all-new design statement for Jeep,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design. “Compass fulfills the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name,” Creed added.

The Jeep Compass features the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles. The all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia, gives the Jeep Compass its modern, yet capable appearance.

The Jeep Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass’ dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication.

Interior

Jeep Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear.

A command-of-the road seating position gives drivers an added feeling of control. Compass has 39.3 inches of rear seat leg room, 52.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Available Boston Acoustics premium sound system includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
• Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable cargo lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• A sliding center armrest moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
• Available 110-volt outlet in the center console powers small electronics
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Available 60/40 rear seats both fold flat and recline 12 degrees
• Vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area is both washable and removable
• YES Essentials® fabric — an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration

Technical features

Jeep Compass features a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, which helps optimize the torque curve at all speeds.

It also features a standard five-speed manual transaxle and an available Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2). CVT2 is a second-generation CVT that Chrysler Group engineers calibrated for pleasing engine response, precise ratio control and an available AutoStick® feature on the Compass Limited model that allows for manual control with the simulation of six stepped gears. CVT2 contributes to a fuel economy improvement of 6–8 percent compared with a traditional 4-speed automatic.

A 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine will be available for markets outside North America.

Compass’ available active, full-time 4x4 system is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The standard safety features include: Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Compass’ standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes provide an excellent 60–0 mph dry pavement stopping distance of 125 ft.

Added Jeep capability is evident from Compass’ 8-inches of ground clearance, 21.1-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 21-degree breakover angle. Compass features standard 17-inch wheels and all-season touring tires and available 18-inch wheels and all-season performance tires.

Jeep Compass production

Production of the 2007 Jeep Compass begins in the second quarter of 2006 at the newly refurbished Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant. The new 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine that powers the Compass is built in the state-of-the art Global Engine Manufacturing Assembly (GEMA) plant in Dundee, Mich.

The newest Jeep will be available in both Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available with front-wheel and four-wheel-drive capability.

Read more about 2007 Jeep Compass model line-up

Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA)

The World Engine is a family of world-class four-cylinder engines produced by GEMA in Dundee, Michigan, delivering an exceptional combination of quality, fuel efficiency, refinement and performance. GEMA is owned equally by DaimlerChrysler Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Company. By optimizing the three joint venture partners’ strengths, global economies of scale and the latest practices in flexible teams and machines, GEMA aims to set a new benchmark in engine plant productivity.

(Source: Jeep)