Jeep has unwrapped an updated version of the Compass, which is now also built in Europe and offered with a turbocharged 1,3-litre petrol engine.

Production of the updated SUV has commenced at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Melfi plant in Italy (the Compass is also built in Mexico, Brazil, China and India).

While the 1,6-litre turbodiesel engine (89 kW/320 N.m) previously offered in Europe has been updated, the big news is the addition of a 1,3-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol unit already used in some regions by the smaller Renegade.

In the Compass, it's offered in two states tune: 97 kW when paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and 112 kW when mated to a six-speed (dry) dual-clutch transmission. Both versions generate 270 N.m and drive the front axle.

Jeep claims the new engine is designed to offer “outstanding performance both on- and off-road, while delivering excellent driving comfort”. For the Compass, the firm says the 1,3-litre mill has been updated with “specific turbo-matching, which maximises the engine response at low engine speed and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 27 percent”.

Interestingly, Jeep says “4xe” plug-in hybrid models will later become available with an electric motor mated to a choice of either a 142 kW or 179 kW version of its 1,3-litre “global small engine”. Both will be four-wheel drive.

What else does this Compass update include? Well, fresh features inside include the brand’s latest Uconnect Services (fitted as standard on both the 7,0- and 8,4-inch infotainment systems), while revised alloy wheel designs and a new exterior colour palette are also part of the upgrade.

The Melfi-built Compass furthermore benefits from “new tuning of the steering system”, and “targeted interventions” on the suspension system. The result, says Jeep, is “more precision when cornering at high speed, ensuring less roll and pitch, and more braking stability”.

Original article from Car