LOUTH MOTORING: The new Jeep Compass arrives in Ireland
Modern rugged looks, total peace of mind: The new Jeep Compass arrives in Ireland
The third generation of the Jeep Compass was launched last week at the beautiful Slane Castle.
To demonstrate its off-road credentials we were given a very rare treat.
They opened the main gates that you might be familiar with at the bottom of the hill just after you’ve crossed the bridge over the Boyne.
I hope that crossing becomes another rarity when the madness of the objections to the essential bypass are finally dismissed.
Once through the gates there is a trail that cuts through a historic landscaped wood that eventually opens up to reveal the vista of Slane Castle in all its magnificence.
It’s a trail that is rarely used and I felt privileged to tackle it in the new Compass.
The compass is launched with a trio of powertrains - a BEV, a mild hybrid and a plug-in hybrid with pricing starting at €42,995 for either the BEV or mild hybrid.
Crucially, Jeep is offering a “Freedom to Choose Electric" initiative that allows electric buyers to swap to a hybrid model within 90 days if the full EV lifestyle does not suit them.
That’s a huge comfort for those still hesitant about buying an all-electric car.
Its looks are unmistakably Jeep imbued with those historic rugged looks but with a more modern and stylish look.
It's a car in the ultra competitive C-SUV sector that’s led by the Hyundai Tucson over the likes of the Kia Sportage, the Toyota RAV-4, the Peugeot 3008/e-3008, the Skoda Elroq, the Nissan Qashqai and the Opel Grandland.
To say their work is cut out for them against this opposition is an understatement but the Compass will appeal in terms of looks, price, genuine capability and that peace of mind to go back to a hybrid engine if an all-electric car doesn't work out for you.
You also get a five-year unlimited warranty for complete peace of mind.
Full review coming soon.