2018 Jeep Compass launched in Portugal

By: Zaran Tarapore

July 4,2017

5 min read

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2018 Jeep Compass Launch Event in Portugal: Features and Performance

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Introduction

International press trips – although viewed as a two-day retreat to an exotic location by friends, families, and colleagues of auto journalists – are hard work. Luxuries such as Business Class flights, decadent meals, and extravagant accommodation come bundled into jam-packed itineraries and intense drive programs.

Travel to Portugal

After crossing the seemingly impassable hurdle of stringent visa regulations and unnecessary approvals, our bags were packed, and we were ready to board the Boeing 777-300ER that had caught our eye through the tinted terminal windows.

Eight hours, a meal, and a nap later, we found ourselves being shuttled to the exuberant Sheraton Lisbon Hotel, located beside an attraction we couldn’t pronounce, Estacionamento Saldanha. Getting lost then, was simply not an option.

Jeep Compass Overview

Soon enough, we made our way to the LX Factory and had our first encounter with the star of the event, the all-new Jeep Compass. The event was divided into three sections:

Design Lab
Engineering Lab
Technology Lab

We were provided with an in-depth walkthrough that highlighted the unique design traits, engine and transmission options, and the sheer amount of technology that the Compass packed.

Driving Experience

Up nice and early the next morning, we filled our knapsacks with plenty of water and rushed to the lobby, itching to head to the Sintra National Park and take the compact SUV off-road. With a drive route that covered 60 kilometers and spanned over 1 hour and 30 minutes, we had plenty of time to take in the scenic backdrops and get familiar with the styling and technology onboard.

Design and Features of the 2018 Jeep Compass

Taking inspiration from the brand’s flagship model, the Grand Cherokee, the all-new Jeep Compass blends familiar design cues such as:

Bold 7-slot grille
Trapezoidal wheel arches
Pronounced fender flares for a muscular stance

The two-tone paint scheme, though reminiscent of the Jeep Renegade, adds a pleasing and youthful touch to the 2018 Jeep Compass.

Interior Quality

Equally attractive inside, the trapezoidal center stack is a traditional part of the Jeep recipe. The overall quality of the cabin has drastically improved with a sharp reduction in exposed hard plastics.

Advanced Safety Features

Setting a new benchmark in the Jeep line-up, the 2018 Jeep Compass is fitted with over 70 advanced safety and security features including:

Forward Collision Warning
Lane Departure Alert
Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Automated Parallel / Perpendicular Parking System

Off-Road Capabilities

Having completed the hour and a half drive to Sintra National Park, we summoned the drive mode selector to ‘Sand’ mode. The 2.4-liter MultiAir2 engine pushes out 184 horsepower and 237 Nm of torque to all four corners, making climbing steep ascents effortless.

Conclusion

Without a hint of its Middle Eastern pricing, it’s difficult to judge the Compass, but there’s no denying it is an extremely capable and enjoyable vehicle. Be prepared to catch it in person at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show, set to run from 14th to 18th November.

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