In the year that marks Jeep’s 85th anniversary, Jeep Ireland launched its new Jeep Compass to the motoring media at the historic Slane Castle over the last two days bringing the brand’s latest electrified SUV to one of Ireland’s most iconic music venues and atmospheric historic estates, writes Trish Whelan. Jeep has been designed for people who value independence, capability and the freedom to choose how they move.
The Jeep brand is also steeped in history, the first prototype Jeep - the Bantam BRC - was delivered to the US Army for testing in September 1940. Shortly after, Willys-Overland and Ford refined the design, leading to the legendary Willys MB mass-produced for World War II.
The new Jeep Compass launches in Ireland in both electric and hybrid variants. Further powertrain options will follow as the range expands. The full range of powertrains planned for the Compass includes a 145hp 48V e-Hybrid, a 195hp e-Hybrid Plug-in and three full-electric versions, ranging from a 213hp front-wheel drive version up to 375hp in all-wheel drive powertrain, allowing customers select the powertrain that best suits their lifestyle and driving needs.
At this week’s Irish launch, John Saunders, Managing Director at Jeep Ireland said: “The all-new Jeep Compass represents exactly where the brand is heading in Ireland, bringing together electrified performance, real-world versatility and genuine freedom of choice for customers at a time when many are deciding to start their electric journey.” He said launching the car at Slane Castle felt entirely appropriate, a place defined by history, character and unforgettable moments, which mirrors what Jeep stands for. A vehicle equally suited to commuting as it is to weekend adventures.”
The new Compass features a fully redesigned interior with enhanced digital interfaces, improved connectivity and increased comfort. The cabin is more spacious than the previous Compass, with rear passengers enjoying more legroom and cargo space expanding up to 550 litres, 45 litres more than before. We got to drive this new Jeep on motorways and country roads to our Slane destination entering the estate through the old Gothic Gate which allowed us try out the Selec-Terrain (standard across all versions) driving on a narrow and bumpy track through the woodland area using the Sand/Mud drive mode, but all five modes are designed to optimise performance and control in different conditions proving front-wheel drive versions are also capable of off-road. Other driving modes are: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Electric (exclusive to e-Hybrid Plug-in version). Ground clearance is up to 200mm and the vehicle’s water fording depth is up to 470mm. Level 2 autonomous driving is standard on this new Jeep Compass along with many high-end safety technologies.
Six colours are available but the launch colour of Hawaii - a bright brilliant green - was the stand out colour.
With a rapid 160kW DC charger, the Compass EV can be charged from 20-80 per cent in 30 minutes, and there’s an onboard charger with up to 22kW. The battery-electric (BEV) range is up to 500km on launch models, with an extended range version coming later offering up to 650kms.
Jeep’s ‘Freedom to Choose Electric’ initiative, first introduced last year on the Jeep Avenger, continues with New Compass meaning customers who choose electric to switch to a hybrid powertrain within 90 days if they feel a fully-electric model is not the right fit for them. It also includes common pricing on hybrid and electric versions.
The new Jeep Compass is available now in Jeep dealers nationwide with both hybrid and electric versions starting from €42,995. Jeep offers a 5-year warranty, and free home charger with eligible electric models.
