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Jeep Compass

Friday, Mar 20, 2026 12:00 AM

Is this new SUV more than just a Peugeot 3008 wearing cowboy boots? The recent European growth of the Jeep brand has been fuelled by cars big on 4x4 attitude but fairly small in stature: chiefly the Renegade and Avenger. In 2026, the firm’s aiming just a little higher.This new Jeep Compass becomes the third installment in a particular model lineage that has chronicled its maker’s recent corporate history rather eloquently. The first Compass (2006) was built in North America on DaimlerChrysler platform technology, and was related to the Dodge Caliber (shudder). The second (2016) moved to be built in Italy, on old Fiat mechanicals, under Sergio Marchionne’s FCA Group. The third now adopts the latest Stellantis Group ‘STLA Medium’ platform technology that will eventually deliver full electric, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.But the car walks a thin line; because brand values can be cruel. If you’re going to try to honour them, you had better do it faultlessly, lest the enthusiasts pour scorn over your latest product. A Mercedes that isn’t built like a nuclear bunker? Blasphemy! A Ferrari that isn’t the sharpest drive in its class? Humbug!Yet selling the idea of those values, while becoming more 'flexible' on the actual execution, can work out remarkably well. BMW clearly has few regrets about making the 1 Series front-wheel drive, and a neatly styled miniature electric crossover with a single driven axle won Jeep a Car of the Year trophy for the Avenger.So has Jeep repeated the same trick so cleverly here in the big-selling Qashqai class?