Jeep Compass review

The launch range is very simple, with just the two powertrains and one trim. Which, with disarming obviousness, is called First Edition. So, it's the mild-hybrid at £35,720 or the 74kWh 310-mile electric at £39,200. 

Not too much of a price delta for the EV if you can charge at home. And it's likely that there'll be another version under £37,000 that can take advantage of the full £3,750 government grant, given it's made in Italy with a European battery. If you're charging en-route, the DC figure is half an hour for a 10-80 per cent charge.

The kit list is pretty extensive. Matrix headlamps, illuminated grille, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, connected services, colour choice for the ambient lighting, adaptive cruise control with lane centring, and a power tailgate.

The electric one gets a wheel step-up from 18 to 20in. It also has a heat pump.

Options packs add more surround sensing, whether at a parking crawl or motorway speed, and a HUD, two-tone and a glass roof. The car shown in the photos has all that, plus a £1,700 pack with hi-fi upgrade, powered vented massaging front seats, and seats in all-vinyl. What was wrong with the cloth? The only standard paint colour is hi-viz green. Sorry, 'Hawaii'. All the rest are £600, or £1,200 with a black roof.

The petrol gets 47.8mpg for 133g/km. If you want to cut company car tax but think an EV is too radical, get the upcoming PHEV. Also, it's the best Compass for towing.