The Jeep brand is pushing out into mass-market sectors with the new Compass launched in Detroit. The car is a departure from the company's normal SUV offering and its first real change of direction. Based on the concept car first shown in Frankfurt in 2005 the car has made it to production readiness in less than a year. It features many familiar brand styling cues: a seven slot grille, large round headlights and muscular body work with heavily sculpted bulging arches dominating its appearance.

Carrying over SUV styling into the compact market sector the Compass features rugged Jeep off-roader looks with hatchback practicality, convenience and economy. The Compass is the first front-wheel drive car Jeep has made, although as you'd expect, a four-wheel drive version will be part of the range. Jeep has focused on ensuring that the new car has excellent on-road manners as opposed to mud plugging ability, a balance that they've not successfully managed in the existing line up.

To this end the Compass features fully independent suspension to ensure good manners on road. Engine choice will be from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol "global" engine, with a 2-litre turbo diesel available outside North America, both driving through a CVT transmission. However, Jeep hasn't gone soft and is not deserting loyal fans, with a new Wrangler for four-wheel drive die-hards continuing the marque's traditional values to complement this new direction. Compass will be in the showrooms in the second quarter of this year.

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