Jeep Compass Heads The Right Way

More and more women are driving Jeeps these days, for several reasons. They look good, they’re beautifully finished, they perform well, and most of them are a pleasure to drive, particularly the latest head-turning Jeep Compass SUV. The current model is way better than the very first version introduced a good few years back. It was and is based on the Dodge Caliber, but has been redesigned with enhanced and improved features and finishes.

Stylish and well-finished (Euro-style textures, soft touch door panels and padded armrests as well as revised upholstery), the Compass is also incredibly spacious and comfortably seats five passengers. The seating is fantastically versatile, with the fold flat 60/40 split rear seats: also, the front passenger seat folds forwards to create a kind of table for added versatility.

The manufacturer says the unique shock tuning and high strength steel springs provide excellent handling on mountain switchbacks and when it comes to evasive manoeuvres. Sadly I never got to sample any mountainous terrain that put it to the full test, but on the few offroad tracks along which we ventured, we barely felt a bump. Braking is also excellent, thanks to the four-wheel disc antilock system, which includes brake assist, and the all-speed traction control.

Although you don’t expect the Compass, or in fact any 21st century Jeep, to perform the same functions for which it was designed in the old days (build bridges and roads behind fighting lines, pull other vehicles out of the mud, dodge snipers and trudge through rice paddies), I have no doubt it would be just as capable repeating those manoeuvres today. And let’s not forget than unlike a man, even small Jeeps give satisfaction, AND they can go for hours on end.