Jeep South Africa has quietly expanded its Compass range, adding a pair of front-driven 1,4T variants to its local line-up.

When the second-generation Compass arrived in South Africa late in 2018, the range comprised just a single derivative: the Compass Trailhawk, powered by a naturally aspirated 2,4-litre, four-cylinder “Tigershark” petrol engine sending 129 kW and 229 N.m to all four corners via a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Now, however, the Michigan-based firm’s local arm has rolled out fresh Compass 1,4T Limited and Compass 1,4T Longitude variants, effectively lowering the entry point of the range.

Thanks to our studious friends over at duoporta.com, we know the 1,4T Limited is priced from R468 729 and the 1,4T Longitude from R472 529 (as opposed to R604 705 for the flagship 2,4 Trailhawk 4x4).

Both newcomers employ a turbocharged 1,4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending 125 kW (at 5 500 r/min) and 250 N.m (at 2 500 r/min) to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox. Jeep says that’s enough for a sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 9,5 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

Interestingly, Jeep in Europe recently launched a new 1,3-litre turbopetrol engine option for the Compass, complete with a dual-clutch transmission.

Original article from Car