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JEEP COMPASS

Price * Equipment * Design * Engine * 4WD * ABS * ESP * Brake Assist * Performance * Turbo Diesel * Manual * CVT * Technology * Audio * Body * Safety *

Visit Jeep to see the Compass in action.

 

The Jeep brand is expanding into new territory with the all-new Jeep Compass – a modern-styled compact Jeep that delivers a competitive package of size, performance and fuel economy.

 

The Compass extends the Jeep brand to compete for the first time in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment and is the first Jeep vehicle to offer fuel economy in excess of 43 mpg, on the combined cycle with its diesel engine, which is best in class. Compass will also be the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product and also the first with a fully independent suspension for comfortable on-road ride and handling.

 

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: “The Jeep Compass is designed to reach younger and female customers who may not have previously considered the brand but value the distinctive Jeep look and see four-wheel drive as a must-have on their daily drive. Customers are increasingly interested in family hatchbacks with four-wheel drive systems as they offer better handling and enhanced safety on the road.

 

“The new Jeep Compass offers a roomy interior, a choice of fuel efficient diesel and petrol engines and an all-new Freedom Drive 4WD system in a package the size of a Ford Focus.”

 

Freedom Drive I is a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system that offers the driver tangible benefits in every day driving conditions such as wet and icy tarmac.

 

“This family hatchback sized car represents a new chapter in the history of the Jeep brand - the compact 4x4 segment in Western Europe is expected to increase to nearly 400,000 units by 2010, and this new car-based four-wheel drive vehicle means the Jeep brand is ideally placed to meet this growing demand.”

 

“The whole compact-4x4 segment is shifting - our competitors are pricing themselves out of the sub-£20,000 segment and we aim to fill this space this year.”

 

In the UK the Jeep Compass Limited model will launch in May 2007 with a VW-sourced 2.0-litre six-speed manual diesel engine and 2.4-litre petrol engine with a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. The Jeep Patriot shares the Compass platform and engines, but has a more traditional Jeep look and design. The Jeep Patriot Sport and Jeep Patriot Limited models launch in July 2007 and will be the new entry-level price point for the Jeep brand (pricing to be confirmed). The Jeep Compass will be priced from £17,995.

 

All Jeep Compass models are covered by the comprehensive Jeep warranty scheme, which provides a three-year/60,000 mile mechanical warranty, seven-year anti-corrosion warranty and 12 months European roadside assistance.

 

 

 

The all-new Jeep® Compass will hit city streets in the UK just as the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market is poised for growth across Europe.  With Jeep Compass, the brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based SUV, Jeep is prepared to capitalise on this growing segment by providing the packaging and functionality of an SUV with competitive performance, nimble handling and fuel economy.

 

Jeep Compass will compete in the compact SUV segment, which is expected to grow considerably, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. The compact SUV segment in Western Europe is expected to increase from around 344,000 units in calendar year 2005 to nearly 400,000 units by 2010.

 

“The Jeep brand is on a product offensive and will continue to grow with new offerings like the Jeep Compass,” said Stephane Labous, Director of International Marketing and Communications, Chrysler Group. “We are solidifying the Jeep brand’s foundation with the all-new Jeep Wrangler, while also stretching the brand to reach new customers in the growing compact SUV segment with Jeep Compass.”

 

UK pricing:

Compass 2.0 CRD Limited

£17,995

Compass 2.4 Limited Manual

£19,010

Compass 2.4 Limited Auto

£19,105

 

Standard equipment on the Jeep Compass Limited Model in the UK includes:

 

DESIGN

 

Jeep® Compass’ Modern, Urban Design Appeals to New Jeep Buyers

 

Sleek and sophisticated, the all-new Jeep® Compass broadens the global appeal of the Jeep brand by attracting new buyers who may not have previously considered the brand. Jeep design falls into two categories: Jeep Classic and Jeep Modern. Jeep Compass epitomises Jeep Modern design and introduces it to the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

 

The Jeep Compass features a fresh look with traditional round Jeep headlamps and seven-slot grille, muscular body-side flares, a strong stance and sweeping roofline, combined with the versatility of five doors. It is designed to appeal to customers who want four-wheel-drive capability, combined with competitive fuel economy and an attractive price point.

 

“Compass represents a new adventure for the Jeep brand,” said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design, Chrysler Group. “Compass fulfils the demands of customers who want a Jeep that is modern, stylish and refined, but still offers the credibility and characteristics associated with the Jeep brand name.”

 

Modern Take on a Classic

This all-new compact SUV is firmly rooted in its Jeep design heritage, featuring the brand’s signature seven-slot grille, round headlamps and trapezoidal wheel openings. However, there also are several modern design twists that distinguish Compass from traditionally styled Jeep vehicles.

 

Jeep Compass features an all-new silhouette, with a steeply raked windscreen, expressive bonnet and deep fascia, which combine to give it a modern, yet capable appearance. The profile of the windscreen, front fascia and A-pillar were developed in the wind tunnel for aerodynamics to improve fuel economy and to reduce wind noise. The bonnet is stamped from steel and includes a small lip on the trailing edge to help direct airflow over the windscreen wipers. Standard round fog lamps set within the fascia add a touch of sportiness and improve visibility in bad weather.

 

Jeep Compass’ side profile features uniquely sculptured fender forms delivering a fresh, athletic interpretation of the traditional Jeep trapezoidal wheel flares. Compass rides on a 2635mm (103.7-in.) wheelbase with a 1520mm (59.8-in.) wide track. The wheel placement enhances vehicle stability, vehicle dynamics and ride quality.

 

Large wheels and tyres combined with the Compass’ suspension design contribute to 200mm (7.9 in.) of ground clearance. The low-profile design of the rear suspension also maximises rear seat and cargo room.

 

Jeep Compass’ exterior components are both sophisticated and functional. The Compass Limited model features standard bright body-side moulding. Large, black exterior mirrors tuned in the wind tunnel maximise the driver’s field of view, while minimising drag and wind noise. While the front door handles are placed on the sheet metal, the rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar to preserve the character line that is stamped in the rear doors. Black graphic appliqués on the centre pillars and the flush-mounted rear quarter glass, combined with the black belt moulding and black roof-rail moulding, provide the illusion of a single window opening from A- to D-pillar.

 

An integrated black full-length roof rack and rail moulding with a soft edge channels water over the roof and provides a smooth fit and finish. The roof rack is functional and features five tie-downs for securing items.

 

Jeep Compass’ functional spoiler, tuned for aerodynamics, also maximises the rear view and extends the vehicle’s roofline. A six-light-emitting diode (LED) centre high-mounted stop lamp and washer nozzle are integrated into the spoiler.

 

A one-piece steel liftgate provides easy access to Jeep Compass’ spacious interior. The liftgate construction includes a one-piece steel inner and outer panel for structural integrity. It gets its unique shape from the light bar that spans across the back of the vehicle. The body-colour light bar is deeply dished and houses lights for the license plate. Modular taillamps fill the corners, and the Compass name is embossed on the rear fascia. A black step pad with a non-skid surface further enhances the Compass’ utility and practicality.

 

All Jeep Compass models will be available in Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat and Black Clear Coat.

 

Flexible, Functional Interior with Clever Innovations

Jeep Compass’ interior combines functional style, comfort and versatility in an appealing and surprisingly roomy package. Compass’ flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating passengers and storing gear.

 

A command-of-the-road seating position that is 5.1cm (2 in.) higher than Dodge Caliber gives Jeep Compass drivers an added feeling of control.

 

All models feature a two-toned leather dark slate/pastel slate colour interior, clever features in the instrument panel and centre console, and versatile seating and storage. Jeep Compass includes a front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility and makes way for storing gear – everything from a 2-metre (8-foot) ladder to skis or snowboards. Folding the 60/40 split rear seatbacks forward creates a nearly flat load surface, maximising storage in the Compass. The fold-flat rear seats also recline to provide added flexibility and comfort.

 

Jeep Compass has nearly 100cm (39.4 in.) of rear seat leg room and up to 1277 litres (45.1 cu. ft.) of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.

 

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality for a compact SUV, including:

 

Jeep Compass’ cluster area is large for a compact SUV and features four gauges. The Compass Limited model features a painted silver bezel. Cluster gauges feature black with white graphics and orange pointers, as well as LED for illumination.

 

The instrument panel provides convenient storage compartments for added utility. The glove box door swings down to provide a large, single bin for storing the owner’s manual and other documents out of sight, while an open bin above the glove box provides additional easy-to-reach storage space.

 

The centre stack, which features a Silver Alloy painted bezel to complement the instrument panel, includes air registers that can be closed so there is no perceivable air flow, as well as the radio, climate controls, the switch bank for optional heated seats and the transaxle shifter. These components are all within easy reach of the driver and passenger. A cubby for storing small items is located beneath the radio.

 

Jeep Compass also features a gated shifter, a feature typically found on premium vehicles. The shifter features a black and bright shifter cap with the Jeep name featured in the centre with styling details similar to the shifter in the Jeep Commander. The bezel includes an illuminated PRNDL indicator to make it easy to see when driving at night.


ENGINEERING

 

Jeep® Compass Powertrain and Chassis Offer High Levels of Performance, Capability and Fuel Economy

 

 

Thanks to the Freedom Drive I on-demand system – which only engages four-wheel drive when it’s needed on or off-road – the Compass is a car that gives its owners the very best of both worlds: the fuel-efficiency of a conventional hatchback and the go-anywhere ability and all-year confidence customers expect of a Jeep.

 

The key to Freedom Drive I is an Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) attached to the rear differential. Lighter, more precise, easier to calibrate and cheaper than the viscous couplings or gerotor pumps used by some rivals, the ECC controls the amount of torque going to the rear wheels by means of an electronic control module and a two-stage clutch, ensuring the best traction in any situation.

 

The whole system is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the car’s various safety systems, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and Brake Traction Control (Brake Lock Differential) system.

 

Whereas some four-wheel drive systems concentrate on off-road performance or simply improving traction, Freedom Drive I also improves the car’s on-road handling. Between 25 and 65mph, the system is designed to improve the car’s stability in corners, applying torque to the rear wheels to help the car turn more easily and reduce any understeer. Then, above 70mph and unless any slip is detected, the system runs in front-wheel drive to ensure the best fuel economy.

 

Unlike other systems, however, Freedom Drive I doesn’t only come into action when there’s front-to-rear slippage. Instead, sensors recognise when extra traction will be needed and the system automatically transfers torque to the rear wheels. When this isn’t the case – cruising on the motorway, for example – the car runs in front-wheel-drive only, minimising any losses through friction and inertia, and therefore improving fuel economy. As a result, the diesel-engined Compass is the most fuel-efficient Jeep ever made.

 

In addition, for the ultimate versatility, at speeds up to 10mph, the driver can also engage an off-road mode at the flick of a switch. This activates the enhanced off-road features of the system and the ECC ensures that the maximum torque always goes to the rear wheels, giving the best traction in very tough conditions such as snow, ice or off the beaten track.

 

Jeep Compass has 200mm (7.9 in.) of ground clearance, a 21-degree approach angle, 32-degree departure angle and 20-degree breakover angle.

 

THE 4WD SYSTEM IN MORE DETAIL

 

Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC)

The heart of Freedom Drive I is the ECC. Electronically controlled and working in tandem with the car’s other safety systems, it assesses the conditions and distributes an appropriate amount of torque to the rear wheels.

 

In normal driving, the Compass operates in front-wheel drive only. The four-wheel-drive system requires no driver input or control and the system continually assesses conditions so that it distributes the power in the most appropriate way and improves the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour.

 

Unlike all-wheel drive systems that rely on pumps or viscous fluids to transfer torque; this system requires no front-to-rear slippage for activation. Instead, the control unit takes into account a number of factors, including the car’s speed, turning radius and wheel slip, and when it senses that more torque is needed on the rear wheels, an electromagnet operates a low-torque clutch which, in turn, applies the main clutch, sending power seamlessly to the rear wheels.

 

One of Freedom Drive’s operating modes is to respond to the position of the accelerator. So, when the driver wants to use a lot of power, the system clamps the ECC and automatically sends some torque to the rear wheels, splitting the drive between all four wheels. This avoids front wheel slippage as power to propel the car is transmitted to all four wheels.

 

A second operating mode takes feedback from the same wheel-speed sensors as used by the ABS and ESP systems. In this way, any slippage from the front wheels is detected, and power is immediately sent to the rear wheels to compensate. If, for example, a driver tries to pull away when the front wheels are on ice and the rear wheels are on a dry road, the system ensures the car pulls away effectively.

 

At the same time, the system takes into account what the car is doing. When it recognises that the car is making a tight turn, for example, it will reduce the amount of power going to the rear wheels to reduce any binding in the transmission.

 

Above all, this is not a system operating in isolation. All the time, it works with the other safety systems, such as the ABS and ESP, to help the driver maintain control of the car with the ECC working to regulate power front-to-rear, and ESP working side-to-side.

 

Off-road, too, the new system automatically offers more traction. For really sticky situations, the driver can engage the 4WD off-road mode at speeds of up to 10mph. To activate the Jeep Compass’ off-road mode, the driver pulls up on the chrome T-handle and a ‘4WD’ message flashes up on the dashboard. This mode ensures that the ECC sends the maximum amount of torque to the rear axle (up to 60 per cent) for improved traction and also activates four other features:

 

First, to avoid the transmission binding, the system will automatically modulate the coupling when it senses the car is turning back onto a dry road. Secondly, the traction control is turned off so that the car can move more easily over loose surfaces, such as mud, sand, gravel or snow. The settings of the ABS are adjusted to allow more sustained wheel lock-up, which leads to shorter stopping distances on loose surfaces. Finally, when a driver puts the car into this off-road mode, the off-road setting for the Brake Lock Differentials is activated. When the ABS/ESP sensors recognise that one wheel is spinning faster than the other wheel on the same axle, they apply the Brake Lock Differentials on it to stop it spinning. This then directs torque to the other wheel on the axle, allowing the car to maintain forward momentum on slippery surfaces or if one wheel is completely in the air.

 

ABS

An anti-lock braking system is standard on all models and helps to maintain directional control by preventing the wheels locking up, as well as (in most cases) reducing overall stopping distances. The system uses the same sensors as the ECC control unit to measure the rotation speed of each wheel and, when the ABS control unit activates the system, it adjusts the hydraulic pressure at each wheel, allowing them to rotate, but not to lock up, ensuring the driver can always steer.

 

Off-road ABS

Also standard on all models is a version of the ABS system designed specifically for off-road use. This takes advantage of the fact that, on loose surfaces such as gravel, sand and mud, braking distances are shorter if a car’s wheels lock up, ploughing through the surface and building up a ‘wedge’ in front of the wheels, which helps to slow the car. With conventional ABS, the wheels would not lock up, so the wedge could not form, and stopping distances would be longer.

 

To activate this system, the driver needs to take no direct action. The wheel sensors include a rough road sensor, and when they recognise the kind of oscillation that can only result from being off-road, the system is automatically triggered. Likewise, when the driver selects the 4WD off-road mode by flicking the switch on the centre console, the system is automatically triggered, allowing more sustained lock-up on these ‘ploughable’ surfaces.

 

ESP

ESP is also standard on every model and includes several separate parts: Hydraulic Brake Assist, Traction Control and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

 

And, in common with the ABS, the system helps the driver maintain control by assessing information from a variety of sensors and acting on it. By measuring the steering angle, yaw (turning) rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and vehicle speed, the system works out the driver’s intended course. It then compares this with the actual course and, when the two differ, the ESP is activated, applying the brakes or shutting off the throttle to allow the driver to regain control.

 

This system comes into its own not only on low-friction surfaces (wet roads, snow, ice and so on), but also on hot, dry tarmac where a thin layer of oil can form, and it includes three modes: full-on, partial and full-off.

 

The default setting is full-on, but the driver can press the ESP button on the dashboard once to put it into partial mode, where the traction control is turned off and the ESP works at a higher threshold, coming in less aggressively. Alternatively, the driver can press the button for 5 seconds to turn the system completely off, an action which is confirmed by a warning chime and a message flashing up on the dashboard.

 

Electronic Roll Mitigation

The ESP system already helps to prevent the car from rolling over by limiting violent manoeuvres, but ERM goes one stage further by aiming to prevent the wheels from lifting from the road in an even more extreme situation.

 

When a car turns suddenly, most of the cornering loads go onto the outside front wheel, and this weight is increased further because of the body roll that naturally occurs at the same time. In an extreme situation, because of the position of the car’s centre of gravity, the two inside wheels can lift off the ground, causing the car to roll as it ‘trips’ over the front wheel.

 

To counteract this, ERM brakes the outside wheel – nearly to the point of locking up, but not quite – to cause it to slip, because a tyre in slip cannot support such high cornering loads. As a result, the car’s path becomes straighter, reducing the cornering loads and preventing a rollover.

 

Brake Assist

Tests have shown that, in an emergency, drivers often don’t hit the brakes hard enough to ensure the shortest stopping distance. To counteract this, the ESP system measures the brake pedal application rate and, when it senses that a driver is making an emergency stop, it automatically applies maximum pressure to the brakes to give the shortest possible stopping distance.

 

Traction Control

Part of the ESP system, the traction control system is tuned for on-road use in normal operation. It helps to maintain mobility by applying the brakes and, sometimes, closing the throttle to cut wheelspin when the car is accelerating. However, off-road, it reverts to Brake Lock Differentials operation, as described below.

 

Brake Lock Differentials

These are a further part of the ESP system and calibrated for on-road use, further improving the car’s mobility. They are particularly useful on split-friction surfaces – when one wheel is on Tarmac, another on gravel, for example.

 

With a standard differential, most torque would go to the wheel with least grip, which is far from ideal. To counter this the Compass uses the brake control hardware, which is already on the car.  When the ABS/ESP sensors recognise that one wheel is spinning faster than the other wheel on the same axle, they apply the brake on it to stop it spinning. This then directs torque to the other wheel, allowing the car to maintain forward momentum.

 

Off-road Brake Lock Differentials

When a driver puts the car into off-road mode, the off-road setting for the differentials is activated. The principle is exactly the same as described above for on-road use, but the off-road settings allow the system to work for longer, giving extra forward mobility in extreme off-road circumstances, such as when one wheel is completely in the air.

 

 

WORLD-CLASS ENGINE PERFORMANCE

 

Fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder gasoline engine market. The Chrysler Group World Engine family, which is based on a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler Corp., Hyundai Motor Co. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp., is targeted to improve fuel efficiency by five per cent compared with the engines they replace – rivalling the best four-cylinder engines in the world.

 

The Jeep Compass is available with the 2.4-litre petrol World Engine with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds. This World Engine, with 168 bhp and 220 Nm (162 lb.-ft.) of torque, produces more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter ride than engines without dual VVT. The 2.4-litre engine places Compass amongst the best in the segment for power, torque, top speed, acceleration and towing capacity, all with fuel economy that is comparable to lower displacement engines.

 

“The World Engine program allows us to build premium features into the Jeep Compass’ power plant without a premium price,” Lyons said. “We set high targets and achieved those targets to meet customers’ high demands for fuel economy, refinement, durability, quality and performance.”

 

Chrysler Group brought its engineering expertise to the World Engine program in the areas of cylinder port and intake manifold design using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics tools. Chrysler Group engineers led the development work on dual VVT, as well as an integrated 2:1 oil pump/balance shaft assembly. Chrysler Group engineers also refined the engines for exceptional smoothness and sound quality, resulting in a pleasant engine feel and sound for the customer.

 

2.0-litre Turbo Diesel Engine

The 2.0-litre engine is a state-of-the-art, direct-injection turbo diesel power plant with high-pressure fuel injection, a variable geometry turbocharger and four valves per cylinder. The injectors are electronically controlled, leading to high power and torque and optimal fuel efficiency. The turbo diesel engine positions the Jeep Compass competitively in its class for power, torque, top speed, acceleration, towing capacity and fuel economy. Maximum power is 138 bhp, and peak torque is 310 Nm (229 lb.-ft.).

 

“Advanced diesel engine technology is readily available and can dramatically reduce the amount of crude oil consumed worldwide,” Lyons added. “European customers especially want modern diesel engines with outstanding performance and efficiency, so from the beginning of the program, our engineers included a diesel engine as part of Jeep Compass’ powertrain plan.”

 

Manual Transaxles Add Efficiency and Sportiness

Jeep Compass’ 2.4-litre petrol World Engine is mated as standard to a Magna Driveline T355 five-speed manual transaxle with overdrive and synchronised in all forward ratios. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is paired with an Aisin BG6 six-speed manual transaxle with a three-shaft gear train.

 

Both manual transaxles provide high performance, durability, quiet operation and smooth shifting. Fuel economy is also enhanced through efficient operation. For both, the shifter is packaged in the centre stack within easy reach of the driver.

 

New-generation Continuously Variable Transaxle Improves Fuel Economy

The 2.4-litre petrol World Engine is also available with an optional automatic Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT). The all-new Jeep Compass uses the newest generation of CVT, offering several advantages compared with previous CVTs.

 

The Jeep Compass’ CVT continuously varies the transaxle ratio, providing an infinite number of gear ratios and allowing the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range. The transaxle uses two “V” pulleys and a steel push belt to vary the input speed to output speed ratio instead of traditional discrete gear ratios activated by clutches or bands.

 

Through the use of electronic controls, Jeep Compass’ CVT provides a familiar engine feel while delivering improved fuel economy. For example, drivers will experience an appropriate rise in engine RPM during acceleration rather than an instant rise to the maximum engine RPM.

 

“Our engineers have calibrated Compass’ CVT to provide a throttle response that feels very natural to the driver,” said Lyons. “We’ve also created an available Auto Stick feature that gives the driver manual control and the feeling of six stepped gears,” Lyons added.

 

Chrysler Group’s CVT contributes a six-eight per cent improvement in fuel economy compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle. Eliminating upshifts allows the transaxle to engage the torque converter clutch almost immediately when accelerating and to keep it engaged throughout speed changes. This eliminates torque converter slippage common in stepped transaxles and results in more efficient operation, especially during city driving.

 

The CVT also improves vehicle performance compared with a traditional automatic transaxle. Optimised gear ratios, especially in the 30-60 mph range, improve Jeep Compass’ passing manoeuvres and contribute to a responsive feel and ultimate smoothness.


TECHNOLOGY

 

Jeep® Compass Pinpoints Cutting-edge Sound Systems and Technologies

 

 

Audio Systems

The Jeep Compass is available with audio systems to accommodate a variety of listeners’ needs. The standard system features an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD player and four 15.2x22.9cm (6x9-in.) speakers. Compass also features an available AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player, which is capable of playing all types of audio CDs, including MP3 audio files.

 

An optional audio pack featuring a premium nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Sound Group with articulating liftgate speakers and dash mounted six-disc CD changer gives Jeep Compass a unique offering in the compact SUV segment. This premium system features an eight-channel amplifier, four 15.2x22.9cm (6x9-in.) full-range speakers in the doors, two 6.4cm (2.5-in.) tweeters in the instrument panel, two 8.9cm (3.5-in.) mid-range tweeters mounted in a swing-down liftgate panel and a two-channel amplifier for the subwoofer. This gives Compass owners the freedom to listen to their favourite music wherever they decide to enjoy it.

 

Audio performance on all Jeep Compass sound systems is characterised by a smooth octave-to-octave tonal balance, natural frequency response and uncoloured presentation, free of distortion. The system features a flat frequency response, which is a desirable behaviour in high-quality, audiophile-calibre speakers like those in the Compass.

 


BODY/STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

 

Advanced Technologies Give Jeep® Compass Excellent Durability, Ride and Handling, and Body Stiffness, while Reducing Noise, Vibration and Harshness

 

 

When developing Jeep® Compass, engineers used high-strength, lightweight and sound-absorbent materials to create a safe, quiet body structure that is designed to both meet impact performance criteria and be durable enough to be a Jeep.

 

Jeep Compass’ unitised body includes a structural safety cage to provide excellent occupant protection. While the Compass underbody architecture is shared with Dodge Caliber for platform compatibility, the Compass has been modified to make it uniquely Jeep.

 

“Jeep Compass’ underbody is designed to meet more demanding durability requirements based on Jeep vehicle requirements,” said Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer of Jeep Compass, Chrysler Group. “A new body/chassis durability test cycle, which combines the passenger car and the Jeep cycle in severity, was created to test the Jeep Compass and Patriot.”

 

Engineers validated the durability of the Jeep Compass’ body structure through state-of-the-art computer simulation, an extensive battery of laboratory fatigue tests, road-test simulation and real-time Proving Ground tests. This extensive testing ensures that the Compass’ body structure is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear that comes with a minimum of 100,000 miles of driving and at least 10 years of salt-belt corrosion.

 

High-strength Steel Reduces Weight, Improves Impact Performance

Jeep Compass’ body components combine to form a structural safety cage that provides occupant protection in the event of an impact. By mass, 40 per cent of Compass’ body structure is constructed of high-strength and hot-stamped steel, making for a high level of combined advanced steel technologies.

 

“The higher weight-to-strength ratio of high-strength steel allowed us to develop a body-in-white safety cage that meets more aggressive front-, side- and rear-impact requirements, but without the added weight of regular steel,” Liddane added. “Hot-stamped steel used on the A- and B-pillar and roof-rail reinforcements reduce Compass’ overall weight by 20 kg.”

 

The Jeep Compass uses a tailor-rolled, hot-stamped steel B-pillar. Its two-piece B-pillar construction features a lower section made from mild-strength steel to maximise energy absorption, which is combined with a tailor-rolled, ultra-high-strength upper portion for enhanced occupant protection.

 

For rear-occupant side-impact protection, Jeep Compass also features a hot-stamped steel cross-car beam that is bolted to the body structure underneath the rear seat. During a side-impact event, the beam works together with the integrated foam in the rear doors to transfer impact energy from one side of the vehicle to the other. The beam is designed to take up to 60 per cent of the load during a side-impact event. Steel beams within the front and rear doors provide additional side-impact occupant protection.

 

Jeep Compass also features a hydroformed front closure and upper cross member. These modules previously had been limited to trucks and larger sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), but technological advances now allow for smaller diameter tubes and thinner walls, making them practical for a compact SUV like the Compass. The strength and versatility of this design reduces weight, while providing a flexible base for mounting many parts and components.

 

The dual-phase steel – used in Jeep Compass’ front and rear rails, tunnel reinforcements and floor cross members – represents some of the steel industry’s latest technology. In the event of a high-speed front impact, the structure and steel combine to protect the occupants by absorbing the impact energy in a controlled manner. Dual-phase steel tunnel reinforcements and floor cross members also allow the rails to handle greater impact loads than conventional steel. The steel’s structural benefits also make the Compass stiffer for better ride quality and a quieter interior.

 

Sealants and Sound-deadening Materials Create a Quiet Interior

Jeep Compass’ use of sealers and structural adhesives is world-class, giving customers a smooth ride with minimal road, wind and powertrain noise.

 

Seam sealing, which was previously only added to the inside of a vehicle’s body, is applied to both Jeep Compass’ interior and exterior, adding stiffness to the body and reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Compass’ doors are triple sealed above the beltline and double sealed below to form a strong sound and moisture barrier. A continuous, one-piece channel weather strip mounted in the upper door frame provides effective sealing against wind noise and water leaks.

 

Jeep Compass also includes an NVH package designed to isolate passenger compartments from powertrain noise. This includes balance shafts on the 2.4-litre petrol World Engine, a low-rumble intake manifold, acoustic engine box silencers, fender silencers, isolated air-conditioning lines, a three-layer metal-plastic-metal oil pan, select-fit engine bearings and tappets, wheelhouse outer silencers, sound-deadening material in the instrument panel and carpet with sound barrier. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine also has balance shafts and shares much of the above NVH package.

 

Aerodynamic and Appealing

Extensive development went into shaping the Jeep Compass’ upper body and rear liftgate to ensure the vehicle is both aerodynamic and visually appealing. To reduce drag, Compass’ rear liftgate spoiler was developed to separate the air stream from the rear of the vehicle. The roof, rear side D-pillar and taillamps also were shaped to help separate the air cleanly.

 

Engineers designed several of Jeep Compass’ exterior body features to reduce wind noise. Large exterior rearview mirrors are designed to provide good visibility while minimising aerodynamic drag and turbulent wind noise. Compass’ windscreen water channel and radio antenna were refined in the Chrysler Group’s state-of-the-art Aero-Acoustic Wind Tunnel to minimise wind noise. A lip on the trailing edge of the bonnet directs air flow over the wipers, reducing wind noise inside the vehicle.

 

The following additional features help reduce drag:

 


SAFETY

 

All-new Jeep® Compass Occupants Encircled in Safety and Security

 

 

The all-new Jeep® Compass gives customers a high level of safety in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment. The safety technologies available on the Compass include driver and passenger front air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Brake Traction Control System, Brake Assist System, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with rough-road detection and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

 

The Jeep Compass also offers a high level of security, including a removable/rechargeable interior flashlight, Sentry Key® Engine Immobiliser and a security alarm.

 

The following combination of safety and security features reinforces the Jeep brand’s commitment to safety and security:

 


QUALITY

 

Jeep® Compass Makes Sure Customers Find High Quality Levels

 

The Jeep® Compass is a dramatic interpretation of a classic brand footprint. Hundreds of hours and thousands of kilometres of testing, preparation and process have taken place to ensure this latest chapter in Jeep Heritage reflects a high level of quality.

 

Extensive testing was conducted on Jeep Compass during pre-production, making it one of the brand’s most solid vehicles. Countless hours of wind noise and aerodynamic evaluations, as well as many other related tests, were conducted in the Chrysler Group’s $37.5 million (29.4 million Euros*) state-of-the-art aerodynamic and acoustic test facility.

 

“Our customers have extremely high expectations of durability and reliability from our Jeep brand vehicles,” said Stephen Walukas, Vice President of Corporate Quality, Chrysler Group. “Chrysler Group is dedicated – with full support of senior management – to providing the highest quality at every level of production, and for a Jeep vehicle, that means the durability to handle a variety of on- and off-road situations.”

 

The all-new Jeep Compass was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new products.

 

Emphasised on CDS are the systems engineering, design and up-front planning to avoid time-consuming and costly trial-and-error methods or changes during the latter phases of the product development cycle. With CDS, all product and process planning is completed and fully integrated before production tooling begins.

 

The proof is in the Jeep Compass’ rigorous test schedule:

 

From the highest elevations to the coldest, northernmost parts of the world, engineers also tested Jeep Compass in the most extreme conditions to simulate difficult real-world driving conditions. Test trips included cross-country drives through heat and humidity to freezing cold conditions in the Arctic and high altitudes in the Southwest USA and Northern Canada.