Press Kit: 2007 Jeep® Compass Launch

Sleek and sophisticated, the all-new 2007 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 epitomizes Jeep Modern design and introduces it to the compact 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 or the year-round versatility of front-wheel drive, combined with excellent fuel economy and an attractive price point.

"Compass represents a new adventure for the Jeep brand," said Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President – Design. "Compass fulfills 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 windshield, expressive hood and deep fascia, which combine to give it a modern, yet capable appearance. The profile of the windshield, front fascia and A-pillar were developed in the wind tunnel for aerodynamics to improve fuel economy and to reduce wind noise. The hood is stamped from steel and includes a small lip on the trailing edge to help direct airflow over the windshield wipers. The Jeep Compass Sport model features body-color fascias, while the Limited model features a bright fascia overlay for a more upscale look. Standard fascia-mounted round fog lamps add a touch of sportiness and improve visibility in bad weather.

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

Standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and available 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels explore Compass' dual nature: off-road capable and on-road sophistication. Large wheels and 27- to 28-inch outer diameter tires combined with the Jeep Compass' suspension design contribute to 8.4 inches of ground clearance. The low-profile design of the rear suspension also maximizes rear seat and cargo room.

Jeep Compass' exterior components are both sophisticated and functional. The Jeep Compass Limited model features a standard bright molding. Large, black exterior mirrors tuned in the wind tunnel maximize the driver's field of view, while minimizing 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 center pillars and the flush-mounted rear quarter glass, combined with the black belt moldings and black roof-rail moldings, provide the illusion of a single window opening from A- to D-pillar.

An integrated black full-length roof rack and rail molding 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.

Compass' functional spoiler, tuned for aerodynamics, also maximizes the rear view and extends the vehicle's roofline. A six-light-emitting diode (LED) center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and washer nozzle is integrated into the spoiler.

A one-piece steel liftgate provides easy access to 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-color light bar is deeply dished and houses lights for the license plate and a key cylinder on vehicles with manual locks. Modular tail lamps 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 Jeep Compass' utility and practicality.

All 2007 Jeep Compass models will be available in Jeep Green Metallic Clear Coat, Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat, Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Marine Blue Pearl Coat, Steel Blue Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

Flexible, Functional Interior with Clever Innovations
Jeep Compass' interior combines functional style, comfort and versatility in an appealing and surprisingly roomy package. Jeep Compass' flexible interior gives buyers the capability to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear.

A command-of-the-road seating position (two inches higher than Dodge Caliber) gives Jeep Compass drivers an added feeling of control.

All models feature two interior color selections, two-toned interiors, clever features in the instrument panel and center console, and the versatility of fold-flat rear seats. Flexible seating options in the Jeep Compass include a front passenger seat that folds forward to create a table-like surface for versatility, and makes way for storing gear — everything from an 8-foot ladder to skis or snowboards. Standard 60/40 fold-flat rear seats with an available recline feature provide added flexibility and comfort. Folding the seatbacks forward creates a nearly flat load surface, maximizing storage in the Jeep Compass.

Jeep Compass has 39.4 inches of rear seat leg room, 53.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat and 60.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the front passenger seat back and rear seats folded flat.

In addition to interior spaciousness and flexibility, Jeep Compass has many clever and unique interior features available that add functionality not typically found in a compact SUV, including:

• Standard side-curtain air bags
• Available nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium Sound Group with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate. When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down to face rearward for tailgating and other activities
•  Available dual purpose, self-recharging removable interior lamp, which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and can snap out of the bezel to serve as a flashlight
• Sliding center armrest moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid includes a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player
•  Available 115-volt outlet in the center console that can power small electronics
• Available fold-flat front passenger seat creates a table-like surface for versatility
• Flexible 60/40 fold-flat rear seats with available recline feature
• UltraFloor™ durable vinyl load floor is both removable and washable
• YES Essentials® seat fabric—an easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration

Jeep Compass' cluster area is large for a compact SUV and features four gauges. The Jeep Compass Limited model features a painted silver bezel. Cluster gauges feature black with white graphics with orange pointers, as well as light-emitting diodes (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 center 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 airflow, as well as the radio, climate controls, the switch bank for optional heated seats and the transmission shifter. These components are all within easy reach of the driver and passenger. A cubby for storing small items is located beneath the radio.

Additional storage is located in the doors. Map pockets molded into the front doors can hold up to six CD jewel cases. The 6x9-inch speakers mounted in the front and rear doors are the largest standard speakers in class.

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 center 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.

All Compass models feature two interior color selections, two-toned interiors of Dark Slate/Pastel Slate or Dark Pebble Beige/Pastel Pebble Beige. Franklin grain is patterned on the instrument panel and lower trim. The upper trim is grained in Aura to match the texture of the premium Aura headliner fabric.

Jeep Compass Sport has standard cloth seats that feature a patterned insert with a solid bolster and back panel for a sporty look. YES Essentials seat fabric is optional on the Jeep Compass Sport model. Leather-trimmed bucket seats are standard on Jeep Compass Limited. The manual adjustable front bucket seats include adjustable halo head restraints for optimum comfort and visibility.