Test drive Jeep Compass 4xe, electrified, technological and European

The exterior silhouette does not change substantially compared to the previous generation, although it does receive some modifications that make it more modern and attractive. The image of robustness of Jeep, a hallmark of its 80 years of existence, has also been carried over to this model, which has a somewhat more urban focus. It marked the brand’s return to the C-SUV segment and has been the main driver of the brand’s commercial results, representing more than 40 percent of its sales today.

It now shows a more modern look, with the classic Jeep grille, taller and more upright, which integrates new, slimmer full-LED headlights, with daytime running lights recessed into the lighting units. The rear lights and the wheel design are also new, depending on the trim.

The Limited version, more urban in character, features black bumpers and 18-inch alloy wheels; the S version opts for a metallic grey finish, a body-coloured bumper and 19-inch wheels, while the Trailhawk, with a much more rugged focus, features specific grille, bumper and fog light treatment in a higher position, and specific 17-inch alloy wheels with dedicated tyres, which allow better off-road performance. In addition, this version improves off-road figures, with better approach and departure angles, greater wading depth (480 mm) and increased ground clearance.

Prices start from €44,300 and rise to €48,000 for the S version, although the brand includes an interesting finance offer, with a €9,700 deposit and a monthly payment of €280, over 36 months and 10,000 km per year.

Improved interior

The cabin has been redesigned with new materials and a more ergonomic design. It features a new look for the dashboard, centre console and door panels. The boot does not change in shape or size, although it is offered with an electrically operated tailgate that opens with a foot gesture. It claims a capacity of 420 litres in the plug-in hybrid versions.

As is becoming the norm in the sector, screens take centre stage for displaying information and controlling various functions. Thus, the 10.25-inch full-HD digital instrument cluster is standard on Limited, Trailhawk and S (optional on Longitude), with many configuration options across five customisable menus.

The centre console now sits in a higher position and offers a new storage compartment. It includes the latest generation of the Uconnect system, with a 10.1-inch screen, which uses a more powerful processor with a response speed five times better than the previous generation. It integrates the Android operating system with cloud-based updates, TomTom navigation with voice recognition and Google search functions, and wireless connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Its equipment includes systems such as traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera system, intelligent speed assist, drowsiness detection alert, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and Highway Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control and lane centring.

The Uconnect 5 system also offers connected services for customers: My Assistant, to request geolocated roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown; My Remote: to schedule charging, locate the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, switch on the lights or schedule climate control; My eCharge, which manages charging sessions, whether at public points or at home; My Car, to check the vehicle’s status and condition, battery charge, tyre pressure, mileage and scheduled maintenance. It includes a Wi-Fi hotspot function to connect up to eight devices and a theft alarm system.

Plug-in hybrid of 190 and 240 CV

The plug-in hybrid range is offered with two power outputs: 190 CV and 240 CV, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and eAWD all-wheel drive. The 1.3 four-cylinder engine, in 130 or 180 CV configurations, works together with a 60 CV electric motor on the rear axle, powered by an 11.4 kWh battery, delivering combined outputs of 190 CV or 240 CV. It promises an electric range of 52 km, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, a top speed of 130 km/h in electric mode and 200 km/h in hybrid mode.

It can be recharged on the move or via an external power socket, at a maximum of 7.4 kW. At this rate, a full battery charge takes under two hours, whereas using a 2.3 kW domestic socket extends the time to five hours.

During the brief first contact, we were barely able to draw any definitive conclusions, as the battery was completely depleted at the start and the route did not allow for a substantial charge, although we did manage to drive briefly in pure electric mode in low-speed areas.

Undoubtedly, this driving mode is especially pleasant, with no vibrations, completely linear and progressive power delivery and especially low noise levels. However, the off-road tyres fitted to the 240 CV Trailhawk are noisier and have a taller profile, so on-road behaviour is not as refined as that offered by the more urban-focused versions.

Even so, the overall behaviour is very pleasant, it has good feel and conveys a greater sense of quality, both in the operation of the controls and in the precision of the steering, brakes or suspension, although it should be noted that this more specialised version has suspension with greater travel and more ground clearance than the other versions.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadJeep Compass6 versions · from 43,200 €