Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass is a not-quite SUV, so think of it like a soft-roader rather than a mountain goat. Not quite enough to tempt you away from better rivals.

• Comfort

  Ditches the vogue for super-stiff suspension and instead goes for something altogether softer, and thus allows you to waft around in decent comfort. 

  

• Performance

  The 2.2-litre diesel - with that manual six-speeder - is perfectly acceptable. 0-62mph takes 9.8 seconds and it'll top out at 125mph. 47.9mpg on the combined cycle ain't bad neither, though that engine can get a tad rattly.

  

• 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. Better than before, mind.

  

• Handling

  The steering is accurate enough, but there's too much body roll for properly ambitious cornering. Better to soak up the Compass' cruisability. 

  

• Practicality

  Seating for five is excellent and the boot is OK at 458litres. The seats fold too. Again, an average performance.

  

• Running costs

  You'll get around 43mpg from the diesel, with the petrol returning around 37mpg. Residuals resemble a parachute-free skydive. Your bank manager will hate you.