Dealers in America have been told a new Jeep is on the way - and this is what it will look like. News that the Compass is to be built was broken by dealer council boss Bill McSkimming, who informed US sales executives at the National Automobile Dealers' Association in San Francisco earlier this month.

Our insiders tell us that the entry-level Jeep will be priced at around $15,000 (£9,000), although it's unlikely to be that cheap when it comes to Britain, and will appeal to young buyers in their twenties.

The Compass was launched at last year's Detroit Motor Show, along with the Willys2 concept, and Auto Express drove both in issue 705. Based on the Cherokee platform, the Compass is powered by a 3.7-litre V6 borrowed from its stablemate, although production engines will include the 2.4-litre petrol, plus 2.5 and 2.8 diesels. No launch date has been given, but it's unlikely to be before 2005. Parent firm DaimlerChrysler is developing a host of new products on the back of the Jeep name. Last week we featured the Scrambler, a Wrangler-based pick-up truck.

Posted Date: 3/30/05
Compass direction

Jeep will go ahead with plans to build a production four-wheel-drive Compass crossover based on the 2001 concept vehicle. Positioned below Wrangler, the $20,000 five-seater will compete with Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander.

When it goes into production in 2007, the crossover will mark a big departure for Jeep by placing its emphasis more on versatility than Rubicon off-road ability. However, traditional design cues such as a vertical seven-slot grille and round headlamps will maintain the family resemblance.

The introduction of the Commander and Compass will boost the number of Jeep model lines to five, while a sixth model based on the Gladiator pickup concept shown at January’s Detroit

Small Jeeps

Two car-based Jeeps that share a vehicle platform with the fwd Dodge Caliber will go on sale next year. The three vehicles are based on the fwd platform the Chrysler group developed with Mitsubishi.

The 2007 Jeep entries will be the first car-based vehicles for a brand noted for its rugged off-road capability. The fwd platform is engineered for awd, but these two Jeeps are not engineered for severe off-road use.

Called Compass Rallye and Patriot, the vehicles will be based on the platform that underpins the Dodge Caliber and are slated for production in 2006 as 2007 models.

The new Jeeps will compete with such vehicles as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Subaru Outback.

Both vehicles will be built at the Chrysler group's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant.

Jeep Compass

Jeep is testing a global portfolio expansion at Frankfurt with the world premiere of the Compass and Patriot concepts. Both compact SUVs promise strong fuel economy from an all-new 2.4-liter World Engine and 2.0-liter diesel coupled with a CVT. The traditional-looking Patriot leans towards the utility side with ample cargo room and a flexible interior. The Compass targets those who have never considered Jeep with a tough, rally-like persona thanks to bold 19-inch wheels, a steeply raked windshield, deep fascia, sculpted hood, rear spoiler and low stance. Of course both vehicles have full 4x4 ability. If the concepts receive a warm reception at Frankfurt, Jeep could start building them next year.

Vehicle type: Sporty hatchback
What's cool: Sleek and sophisticated with a rally car spirit. The low center of gravity and the positioning of the front fascia a few inches above the pavement signals Compass is not intended for off-road rock climbing. This car has Subaru buyers in its sites.
Production possibility: Essentially a production car disguised as a concept. Compass production begins next year at the automaker's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant. The sticker price will be positioned below the Jeep Wrangler.
Designer: Don Renkert

Jeep® Patriot and Jeep Compass Point Brand into New Territory
· Jeep® hints at global portfolio expansion with world premiere of Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concept sport-utility vehicles at the 61st International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt
· Pair of compact Jeep SUVs designed to appeal to all-new buyers
· Two concepts complement each other, yet target different consumers
Frankfurt—Jeep® designers have gone to the extreme once again, creating two all-new sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) concepts that could expand the Jeep brand into new territory.
The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts are compact Jeep 4x4s that would deliver fun, freedom, utility, capability, as well as the potential for exceptional fuel economy and interior flexibility—all at a great value. Making their debut at the 2005 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, these concepts hint at two future compact SUVs that the Jeep brand could build for global markets as soon as next year.
With the potential for the powerful yet fuel-efficient all-new 2.4-liter World Engine and a state-of-the-art 2.0-liter diesel (for international markets), the Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts could be coupled with a new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). All-new Jeep technology also would give these two concepts Jeep 4x4 capability.
The two very distinct interpretations of a compact Jeep complement each other, yet target different sets of customers who seek great value and fuel efficiency. The Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass concepts would expand the brand’s global lineup, which includes Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the legendary Jeep Wrangler.
“The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot concepts prove Jeep continues to explore new territory,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Chrysler Group Design. “These concept vehicles would allow Jeep to provide best-in-class capability to the compact SUV buyer at a great value, and do so with the credibility that only comes with a Jeep.”
Jeep® Compass Concept: A New Type of Jeep in a Contemporary Package
Sleek and sophisticated with a rally car toughness, the Jeep® Compass concept would deliver Jeep fun, freedom and capability, broadening the global appeal of Jeep and attracting new buyers who might not have previously considered the brand.
“The Jeep Compass concept is an all-new kind of Jeep,” Creed said. “Compact and nimble, the Jeep Compass concept is the right size for world markets and would offer performance, fuel economy and value in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.”
True to Jeep’s signature design cues, the Jeep Compass concept features the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps, large and capable fog lights and trapezoidal wheel openings.
A steeply raked windshield, an expressive hood, low-to-the ground stance, deep fascia, wire mesh grille texture and prominent lower intake give the Jeep Compass concept a powerful and capable appearance.
The Jeep Compass concept’s side profile is highly sculptured. Powerful fender forms exaggerate the Jeep Compass concept’s athletic stance, performance 19-inch wheels and red-line tires.
From the rear, a roof-mounted spoiler completes the Jeep Compass performance message. The deep fascia is uniquely styled to accommodate a large chrome dual exhaust system, which also reinforces an aggressive, performance-oriented character.
Jeep® Brand
The heroic heritage of Jeep® and its dominance of the sport-utility market stretch back more than 65 years. Jeep is known worldwide for its core attributes of mastery, authenticity, freedom and adventure. The Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot concepts, with excellent fuel efficiency, an affordable price and proven Jeep capability, would provide an opportunity to expand the brand and attract new buyers around the world.
Jeep® Compass Concept Preliminary Specifications
Design dimensions
Wheelbase: 103.7 inches (2635 mm)
Overall length: 173.4 inches (4405 mm)
Overall width: 69.3 inches (1761 mm)
Overall height: 63.3 inches (1607 mm)
Front overhang: 34.5 inches (877 mm)
Rear overhang: 35.1 inches (893 mm)
Front track: 59.8 inches (1520 mm)
Rear track: 59.8 inches (1520 mm)
Couple (1-2): 32.5 inches (825 mm)
Tire/wheel sizes
Front: 255/50R19, 19 x 7.5 inches
Rear: 255/50R19, 19 x 7.5 inches
Exterior color
G-Force Liquid Green

2007 Jeep Compass
The Compass is based on the upcoming Dodge Caliber. It will be offered with either 2wd or 4wd. The U.S. street-racing Jeep fan will get a 2.4-liter gas mill fitted to a 103.7-inch wheelbase.

DETROIT -- The 2007 Compass is taking the Jeep brand in a new direction.

Unlike the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee and other Jeep models, the front-drive Compass is not intended for severe off-road adventures.

The Compass has an optional all-wheel-drive system. The awd's lock mode is engineered for activation in deep snow and sand, and other low-traction surfaces -- not the severe Rubicon Trail that other Jeeps can traverse.

The Compass is scheduled to debut Monday, Jan. 9, at the Detroit auto show.

Pricing has not been announced. The Compass will compete with vehicles in the compact-car and small-pickup segments.

The Compass is "designed to reach consumers who may not have previously considered the brand," said Jeff Bell, Jeep vice president, in a prepared statement.

Models sold in North America will be offered with one engine, a 172-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The engine was co-engineered with Hyundai Motor Co. A continuously variable transmission is optional. A Volkswagen four-cylinder diesel engine will be offered in export markets.

Standard equipment includes side-curtain airbags, stability control, traction control and antilock brakes. Options include power windows, locks and foldaway mirrors; air conditioning and seat-mounted side airbags.

The Compass will be available in North America and some global markets in the third quarter. It will be assembled at the automaker's Belvidere, Ill., plant.