Targets: RAV4 and CR-VSharp rise in compact SUVs |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
According to Jeep's analysts, the rise in sales of compact sport-utility vehicles will climb in a big way through 2016. The competition is already ferocious in that category: the
RAV4, the
CR-V, the Tucson, the Sportage and the
Grand Vitara are well-established already. An increase to about 16% is expected, which is more than double of the actual sales figures in that category. Why? Because cargo space, the higher driving position and fuel economy are all factors that please young families.
Two types of Jeeps |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
We all know Jeep for its ruggedness and all-terrain capability; that's what built its reputation. But in the '60s, Jeep produced an urban-minded model, the Jeepster. To better reflect the market trend, Jeep is now splitting its trucks into two categories. The first, real four-by-fours like the Wrangler and the Grand Cherokee, the classics that are loyal to its heritage.
Secondly, the modern models, which are at ease in urban areas, but that are still capable of confronting rough roads and trails. This group includes the Liberty, the Commander, and the all-new Jeep Compass.
A departure from the classics |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
You'll notice that Jeep's designers have made some changes to this new family of SUVs. These urban Jeeps benefit from rounder styling while retaining certain attributes such as round headlights and the famous 7-slot grille. The fenders keep their traditional trapezoidal bulges. However, the front and rear adopt a more civilized appearance, which better blends in with the other urban SUVs; the shape of the hood surrounds the headlights with a slight bulge. Special attention was brought to aerodynamic drag for more efficient airflow and lower fuel consumption. The raked windshield and front end is also noticeable. At the rear, the spoiler improves aerodynamic efficiency as well as the luggage rack that flows with the roofline.
Three trim levels in CanadaJeep dealerships will offer 3 versions of the Compass: the Sport, with a reasonable level of standard equipment; the North, which seems to me like the most interesting one on paper; and finally, the Limited.
A choice of front- or all-wheel drive |
| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
The Jeep engineers have chosen to offer the Compass in two variations in order to better face the competition. A model with front-wheel drive, new for Jeep, and a four-wheel drive model, which features an all-wheel drive system adapted to this new semi-urban vocation. The new hardware, which is optional on all models, is called Freedom Drive. It consists of a full-time all-wheel drive setup and can lock the four wheels in harsh conditions, such as in sand or in snow. The competition only offers a setup that waits until it detects wheel slippage before activating. Transfer is assured by an electronic control mode located in the rear differential which is easier to calibrate, more precise and lighter than a hydraulic viscous-coupling system. This Jeep's setup sends torque to the rear wheels through a two-step clutch. At slow speeds, thanks to the multiple sensors, the system calculates wheel speed, cornering angle, and degree of slippage to transfer the proper amount of torque. Up to 60% of the power can be transferred to the rear
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| (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
wheels. This setup prevents delays and slippage between wheels, which isn't offered on most of the competition. To engage full-time all-wheel drive, the driver lifts a lever located near the gearbox. In addition, the system contributes in reducing fuel consumption.
All Compass models feature an advanced stability-control system and anti-lock brakes with force distribution. These systems interact with the traction control as needed.
