Pursuing the brand's global expansion strategy
All-new Jeep Compass from under $16,000
The younger, unconventional compact SUV

Motion Trends, PR,
7th April 2006.

Jeep's all-new Compass SUV prices will start in the U.S. from just under $16,000 (including $560 destination) when it arrives in dealerships in the third quarter of this year. It is expected to reach international volume markets about the same time too.

Built on a common unibody platform with the new Dodge Caliber and the tougher brother Jeep Patriot, the new Jeep Compass comes with front-wheel or four-wheel-drive capability, and the fuel economy of a compact car.

“With Compass, Jeep continues to expand globally... to reach youthful customers who may not have previously considered the brand,” said George Murphy, Senior Vice President — Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. “Compass... allows the brand to compete in the fast-growing compact SUV segment.”

In the United States, annual compact SUV volume for the 2005 calendar year reached 368,000 units, up from 297,000 units in 2004. Chrysler expects the compact SUV segment to almost double to 600,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to more than 814,000 units by 2016.

In the mean time, sales of Jeep brand vehicles increased 12 percent last year, reaching 476,532 units, their highest total since 2000.

The newest Jeep will be available in both Compass and Compass Limited models. Both are available with front-wheel and four-wheel-drive capability.

Jeep Compass’ optional, active, full-time 4x4 system (Freedom Drive I) is recommended for daily use, including driving in snow and rain. The four-wheel-drive “Lock” mode is recommended for deep snow, deep sand and other low-traction surfaces.

The Jeep Compass comes with a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. The MSRP for Jeep Compass is $15,985 (all prices including $560 destination), and $17,585 for Jeep Compass 4x4 models.

The base Jeep Compass standard equipment includes side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control and ABS, a 60/40 rear split seats, Fold-flat vinyl load floor (UltraFloor TM), AM/FM CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, tilt steering wheel, a centre console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers (the armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player).

Additional exterior standard features include fog lamps, body-colour grille and fascias, body-colour bodyside moulding, accent-colour liftgate appliqué and 17-inch aluminium wheels and touring tires.

Optional equipment include a continuously variable transmission (CVT2), sunroof, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, fold-flat passenger seat, air conditioning, power group (driver one-touch power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry and power mirrors), security group (alarm, tonneau cover, daytime running lamps), trailer tow prep package, 17-inch all-terrain OWL tires, full-size spare tire, removable, rechargeable interior lamp, map lights, speed control, driver convenience group (tire pressure monitor and electrochromic mirror, compass, temperature gauge, Universal Garage Door opener and Electronic Vehicle Information Centre), nine-speaker 458-watt Boston Acoustics premium sound system with two flip-down speakers packaged in the liftgate.

Jeep Compass “E” Package - A special package adds a number of standard features to the base Compass, with a MSRP of $18,585 (front-wheel-drive) and $20,185 (4x4 models).

The “E” package adds to the standard features on the Jeep Compass, power, fold-away mirrors, driver one-touch power windows, speed sensitive power locks, Remote Keyless Entry, air conditioning, 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, map/dome reading lamps and interior removable/rechargeable lamp, reclining rear seats, driver seat height adjuster, front-passenger forward fold-flat seat, passenger assist handles, and deep tint sunscreen glass.

Then comes the Jeep Compass Limited at the top, also in both front-wheel and four-wheel drive (Freedom Drive I), at a MSRP of $20,140 (front-wheel), or $21,740 ( 4x4 system).

In addition to the standard features on the Jeep Compass models equipped with the "E" package, the Limited model features leather trimmed bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel mounted audio controls, speed control and heated seats, 18-inch aluminium wheels with all-season performance tires, bright front and rear fascia overlays, bright side mouldings and driver lumbar support.

Beyond those offered on the Jeep Compass model, available options on the Jeep Compass Limited model include the second generation Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2) with Autostick, 18-inch chrome clad wheels and UConnect hands-free communication system.