Jeep Compass to Arrive in Australia at the End of 2011

What you are looking at is not the Grand Cherokee, but one of its smaller brothers. That’s because the new model year brings a nosejob and some standard equipment upgrades for the Compass that make it look much like the bigger luxury SUV. We got our first look at the car back in January, and it has now been announced that the compact SUV will indeed be making its way Down Under later this year.

“This is the compact Jeep we’ve been waiting for.” said Dean Bonthorne, Senior Manager – Marketing & Corporate Communications for Chrysler Australia. “The stunning Grand Cherokee has won hearts throughout the world, so extending that design appeal to Australia’s compact SUV buyer is sure to make this new Compass a hit.”

No announcement has been made about the engine and transmission offering, so will have to go to the UK model for a bit of info. In Great Britain, the petrol engine lineup starts with a 2.0-liter and a 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both featuring the dual Variable Valve Timing technology with twin overhead camshafts. T

he smaller unit is paired up with a five-speed manual, while the 2.4-liter makes use of a CVT2 Continuously Variable Transmission. Jeep also has a 2.2-liter CDR turbo diesel on offer in Europe, putting out either 135 or 165 horsepower.

Chrysler is big on safety these days, so the Compass will arrive in Australia with more than 30 safety and security features, including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, Hill-start Assist and side-curtain air bags that cover all rows.

The new compact SUV is scheduled to arrive in the last few months of 2011 and will sell along with the more retro-styled Patriot.