The Chrysler Group has officially revealed the refreshed for the 2011 model year Jeep Compass crossover, which will go on sale in the U.S. within the next few weeks. In a similar fashion to its sister model, the 2011 Patriot, which looks like a smaller Liberty / Cherokee, the 2011 Compass bears a strong resemblance to Jeep"s flagship, the new Grand Cherokee.
In fact, the SUV"s restyled front end appears to have been directly lifted off the larger Jeep model. The new headlamps and the traditional Jeep grille with seven slots are joined by redesigned hood and fenders, additional body cladding, new brightwork throughout the exterior and slimmer roof rails.
At the back, the 2011 Compass gains LED tail lamps, new body-color rear spoiler and some trim updates. The newly designed standard 17-inch aluminum wheels, and 18-inch aluminum or chrome-clad wheels that are available on Limited models, complete the exterior makeover.
Inside, the interior is identical to the latest Jeep Patriot meaning buyers of the Compass will be greeted by higher-grade materials including soft touch front-door trim panels with a padded upper surface, a new center armrest and a three-spoke Jeep steering wheel with integrated controls for the radio, cruise control, available handsfree phone and other vehicle functions.
For 2011, the Jeep Compass will be offered with a choice of two powerplants. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol provides 158 horsepower and 141 lb.-ft. (191 Nm) of torque, and can be hooked up to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT2) or a five-speed manual gearbox, in which case it returns 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
Those looking for more power can opt for the 2.4-liter unit, which produces 172-horsepower and 165 lb.-ft. of torque. Again, buyers can choose between the CVT and the 5-speed stick shift. Oddly enough, Jeep claims the larger displacement unit returns the same exact mileage as the 2.0-liter model.
The new Compass is available in three drivetrain configurations, including the standard front-wheel-drive model, the Freedom Drive I with full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with lock mode, and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package that comes with a four-wheel-drive system and a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range gearing (CVT2L).
Finally, Jeep"s newcomer also boasts a retuned suspension for 2011, with higher spring and damping rates, added rebound springs, and an increased diameter of the rear sway bar.
The new Compass is built at the Chrysler Group"s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, with the first examples set to arrive in Jeep showrooms in December 2010.
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