Topic: News: Jeep Compass

[Jeffy]

Jeep is testing a global portfolio expansion at Frankfurt with the world premiere of the Compass and Patriot concepts. Both compact SUVs promise strong fuel economy from an all-new 2.4-liter World Engine and 2.0-liter diesel coupled with a CVT. The traditional-looking Patriot leans towards the utility side with ample cargo room and a flexible interior. The Compass targets those who have never considered Jeep with a tough, rally-like persona thanks to bold 19-inch wheels, a steeply raked windshield, deep fascia, sculpted hood, rear spoiler and low stance. Of course both vehicles have full 4x4 ability. If the concepts receive a warm reception at Frankfurt, Jeep could start building them next year.

Vehicle type: Sporty hatchback
What's cool: Sleek and sophisticated with a rally car spirit. The low center of gravity and the positioning of the front fascia a few inches above the pavement signals Compass is not intended for off-road rock climbing. This car has Subaru buyers in its sites.
Production possibility: Essentially a production car disguised as a concept. Compass production begins next year at the automaker's Belvidere, Ill., assembly plant. The sticker price will be positioned below the Jeep Wrangler.
Designer: Don Renkert

[StefanBidi]

That's the one i could remember the name in the last post!  I like it for what it is: a wagon.  I really don't feel the two new concepts that much, but I guess they'd make a great DD if you just have to have a Jeep.

[Jeffy]

Out of the two, I diffinately like this one.  Jeeps haven't always been offroad vehicles.  Most buyers are looking for a street vehicle.  In any case, both of these concepts are built on a car platform so it would make sense to build on that.  Everything likes sporty.  I think it would sell pretty well if it actualyl looked like that.

[01amberfirewv]

Whats with the CVT?  I would prefer the smooth shifting mb 6-speed

[StefanBidi]

Well, these are FWD vehicles.  I suspect they'll have the same drivetrain as the current Neon.  Most people will want to have the CVT over a regular auto because it's a lot smoother.  They're only a little more expensive (usually around $500 over a conventional auto) than an auto and can usually do better mileage.  I'm sure the base model will have 5-speed manual, but I'm not sure if they'd tack on a 6-speed.

I think if prices start around $15k they'd sell really well.

[Jeffy]

CVT's are very smooth and work very well with no loss of power when shifting gears.  The only down side is that they are limited by engine size.  The belts currently can't stand up to the higher torque.

These are supposed to be built on the next generation Neon platform.

[01amberfirewv]

CVT's are very smooth and work very well with no loss of power when shifting gears.  The only down side is that they are limited by engine size.  The belts currently can't stand up to the higher torque.

These are supposed to be built on the next generation Neon platform.

and that they only have two peddles :wink:

[Jeffy]

and that they only have two peddles :wink:

In a straight line race a CTV will beat you.  Up hills a CVT will have smooth acceleration, too.  Honestly the only down side is the power limitation on the current ones.

[01amberfirewv]

Yea I know but I still prefer a standard.  Thats just my personal preference but I think there are a good bit of others out there that do to I just hate to see so many companies dropping standard trannys from their lineups.  A few years ago you could get almost any Audi with a standard tranny and now they are leaning towards CVT and DSG.  The DSG takes very little away from the performace because it is more like a standard (dule clutches and no tourque converter to rob power) and shifts quicker than I could ever dream of, it even rev-matches on down sifts but I personaly like shifting better and would rather not pay 3k for a tranny that does it for me.  

Again though just throwing my opinion in there