On a sunny day in mid-February, four adults and one child enjoyed a smooth cruise on the motorways and back streets linking Minato-ku, Nerima-ku, Chiba and Kawasaki. Their destination? A branch of an international chain of membership warehouses, where they planned to do a seriously “big shop”.
On the return trip, the car was loaded with shopping, yet it all fitted into the boot—with room to spare.
Apart from the smooth ride, comfortable seats and plenty of room for heads and long legs, the parents, who had been in the back seat, said they had been able to relax, because their six-year-old daughter—usually restless or bored during long car rides—had thoroughly enjoyed the round trip. “But most important, we were able to get all our shopping in the boot,” said the mother, with a sigh of relief. As the driver, I cannot disagree.
Launched here in March this year, the nifty and responsive Compass is a functional wagon with light and consistent steering, clear views all round, and very low noise—delivering a great balance to please urban commuters and off-road adventurers alike, while appealing to cost-conscious consumers with its low purchase price and economical fuel consumption. Our trip, for example, cost just ¥5,000 in petrol.
Featuring modern design, high quality and refinement inside and out, this latest model of the Jeep is leaps and bounds ahead of its pre-facelift version.
Nuts & Bolts
Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC
Payload: 1,735kg
Fuel consumption: 10.5 km/litre
Price: ¥2.98mn
