Jeep Compass: toward a tepee

Jeep Compass has ceased to be an ugly duckling. Face in the style of the newest Grand Cherokee, improved interior trim and migrated suspension. All you need for success? Jeep Compass, submitted in 2005, was too unusual a jeep. This is the first crossover was the first in the history of the car brands that are offered with front-wheel drive. Compass was based on a platform of GS, developed jointly by Chrysler, Daimler and Mitsubishi. It also built Mitsubishi Outlander XL. Appearance crossover based on the same concept, proved to be too unusual. During the round eyes and swollen "cheeks" machine compared with the hamster, a frog. And do not buy. In the U.S., Compass sold worse than soplatformennaya model Patriot (on the Russian market, Liberty), with the same interior and engine, but which had a more traditional appearance. Even the giant Jeep Commander in great demand. In fairness it should be noted that the Russian market Compass was more successful. Last year was sold to 40 "Compass" and 25 Patriot / Liberty. In Europe, where crossover dzhipovskie were much more expensive machines for porugivali prostetsky plastic in interior decoration. And then came the crisis and the fate of the "Compass" hung in the balance. With the company Fiat, who saved Chrysler, apparently decided that the baby-SUV "deserve a better fate. And set about correcting mistakes. Instead prostetskih round headlights, evil face of the current best-selling Grand Cherokee. A top-Limited version for greater respectability trimmed with chrome. The lower part of the new bumpers and sills are protected from off-road accidents unpainted plastic. As a result, Compass did not know - a hair's breadth Grand Cherokee, just a little. But soplatformenny Patriot has not changed in appearance. But both crossover got a new unified interior - soft door trim and front chrome bezel instruments, air ducts, air conditioning knobs. A new steering wheel with controls for cruise control and speakerphone. There is a multimedia system with nine speakers, touch screen, navigation and the ability to connect iPod. Suspension peretryahnuli too, have put new spring shock absorbers, a thicker rear stabilizer. Engine lineup remained the same - two-liter four (158 hp, 191 Nm) and motor 2.4 (172 hp, 222 Nm). They are equipped with either a 5-stupenchtatoy "mechanics" or upgraded variator CVT2. The machine will be offered in three trim levels. Basic Compass equipped with a drive only the front wheels. Two-wheel drive transmission. Freedom Drive I with locking sleeves. And the Freedom Drive II with ponizhaykoy, an assistant with the descent and off-road traction system of algorithms and systems for stabilization. Manufacturing Compass 2011 model year will start at Chrysler plant in Belvedere (Illinois) later this month. Cars in dealer showrooms will appear in the next couple of weeks. Now the "Compass" and "Patriots" of the previous generation sold in the U.S. at prices ranging from $ 15,365. New Patriot 2011 model year is a little expensive - $ 15 995. Apparently the same price tag and hang the new Compass.