Jeep Compass

Our verdict

The Jeep Compass is a not-quite SUV, with a clutched 4x4 system with a front-wheel drive bias instead of permanent 4wd, so think of it like a soft-roader rather than a mountain goat. Not quite enough to tempt you away from better rivals.

Comfort

The ride can be jittery on broken British tarmac, so the Compass never really impresses with its waftability. You can see out of it though.

Performance

Two motors, one a dull 168bhp 2.4-litre petrol, the other a turbolagtastic 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Neither impress and give similar performance figures - both take around 11 seconds to 62mph and mid-teens over the ton. A better set of engines would have made this a better car.

Cool

You have to ask?

Quality

The usual Jeep interior of bold shapes and a slightly low-rent execution. Plastics are grey, shiny chrome inserts look a bit cheapo. Drivetrains are ancient but mineproof.

Handling

It might handle well enough for a small SUV, but the Compass never really stands out in any area. A decent enough average score, but where this small Jeep gains in car-like levels of grip, it loses in a complete loss of fun.

Practicality

Seating for five is excellent and the boot is OK at 463litres. The seats fold too. Again, an average performance.

Running costs

You'll get around 43.5mpg from the diesel, with the petrol returning only 32.5mpg. Residuals resemble a parachute-free skydive. Your bank manager will hate you.