By James Bergeron
Day 1:
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Built off of the Dodge Caliber’s platform and as the first Jeep to be built using a car-based architecture, the 2007 Jeep Compass is Jeep’s first official entry into the crossover market. It’s also the only Jeep in the lineup to not get the Trail Rated designation, the new 2007 Jeep Compass is certainly more car than Jeep.
Difficult to see in photos but the Compass is actually a rather small vehicle in size. Parked next to a Mazda 3 it does not jump out at you as being overly large or having the stance of a typical SUV.
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With a ride height of 206mm the Compass sits 44mm higher than its brother the Dodge Caliber, and with available AWD at a reasonable cost DaimlerChrysler has provided small vehicle buyers with another cute-ute alternative.
The Compass is powered by DaimlerChrysler’s 2.4L 4-Cyl World Engine, which produces 172hp and 165lb-ft of torque. The Compass comes standard with a 5-speed manual gear box, but my tester uses the optional CVT transmission and 4×4 capability.
Also included in my tester as optional accessories are heated seats (always welcome in the depths of winter), a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system with steering wheel mounted controls and articulating liftgate speakers and cruise control.
With a curb weight of only 1,472 Kg and a towing capacity of just 450 Kg this vehicle should not be mistaken for a real Jeep, but the body, grill and interior design are unmistakably Jeep.
2007 Jeep Compass
MSRP as tested: $26,135
For more information on Jeep and the Compass visit Jeep Canada
