The Jeep Compass e-Hybrid is the electrified variant of the four-wheel drive plug-in hybrid 4xe and stands out for being front-wheel drive, suitable for daily use even in the city where it moves mainly electric thanks to a hybrid propulsion system 48 Volt which is constantly self-recharging.
In short, a more "electric" version than the normal mild-hybrid without necessarily having to connect to any outlet.
In fact, the Compass e-Hybrid combines a new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, an evolution of the Global Small Engine family, which delivers 130 HP and 240 Nm of maximum torque, combined with a new 7-speed dual-clutch automatic speed which integrates a 15 kW (20 HP) 48 Volt electric motor which delivers 55 Nm of torque, equivalent to 135 Nm. Among the novelties of this hybrid engine is the addition of a second electric motor as a Belt Starter (which makes the transitions between electric and thermal operation imperceptible) and the adoption of the Miller cycle, a system which - by delaying the closure of the intake valves - maximizes combustion efficiency and thus optimizes consumption.
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Jeep Compass e-Hybrid
This 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is also distinguished by a combustion system that works to achieve the best balance between specific power and efficiency.
The petrol direct injection system is at high pressure and reaches up to 350 bar, a feature which, in combination with all the other interventions, translates into very low specific consumption and combustion efficiency comparable to that of a diesel.
Another prominent feature in the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid is the 'hybrid gearbox', i.e. a 7-speed automatic transmission with dual clutch in oil bath, designed to provide efficiency and speed of implementation and, consequently, to improve fuel consumption. dynamics and driving pleasure.
In a test drive that ANSA Motori was able to carry out for a few days, we were able to appreciate that the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid is at ease both in the city and on the ring roads and also on the routes that are more congenial to it, such as country dirt roads.
Comfortable and agile, the Jeep Compass e-Hybrid stood out for its particularly sparing consumption in any condition of use.
Driving is pleasant as engine revs are always consistent with acceleration and the engine off/engine on transition is imperceptible at all speeds.
Compass e-Hybrid offers a true hybrid experience, operating on full electric in numerous driving situations.
This is the case when starting off: with the Silent Start the new Jeep moves without starting the internal combustion engine and in total silence.
The engine braking effect is activated by pressing the brake pedal (the e-Braking function is activated), which increases the energy recovered.
In all these driving phases - it should be emphasized - the internal combustion engine is off, disconnected from the transmission and exhaust emissions are equal to zero, allowing the car to "sail" as if it were in neutral.
When restarting, the Compass e-Hybrid restarts with the electric motor only thanks to the e-Launch function and travels on electric until greater performance is required.
The internal combustion engine restarts silently without the need for intervention by the driver.
The e-Queueing mode which allows the Stop&Go of the car in full-electric mode, and the e-Creeping mode - for a progressive and gentle take-off with the engine off - simply by releasing the brake pedal, intervene in urban traffic jamming at low speed.
When traffic permits and the car begins to pick up speed, the e-Hybrid system optimizes the operating point of the internal combustion engine (Load Point Shift) and makes the most of overall efficiency, as well as - during acceleration - the e-Boosting supports the petrol engine by increasing torque to the wheels.
This reduces consumption by up to 15% compared to the previous non-hybrid petrol version.
Thanks to the new e-Hybrid propulsion system, also present on the Renegade, Compass offers a completely new alternative in the 2-wheel drive SUV segment.
In fact, customers can keep their driving habits unchanged and enjoy a real hybrid experience, with the possibility of moving in full-electric mode, when maneuvering and when driving at low speed.
Rich safety equipment that places the Jeep Compass at the top of the segment.
Among other things, it has the Highway Assist system which combines the functions of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centering, Traffic Sign Recognition which reads road signs and Automatic Emergncy Braking for recognizing pedestrians and cyclists and consequent automatic emergency braking up to upon arrest.
The S version, which was the subject of our test drive, comes as standard with the new 10.1'' Uconnect™ infotainment system with navigator, black roof, body-coloured bumpers, automatic tailgate, 19-inch in glossy black, LED headlights and seats with leather upholstery with gray stitching and electric adjustment for the driver.