Right direction –  Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4xe PHEV 4×4

What do we think?

The Trailhawk spec is certainly comfortable enough for a medium-size SUV with plenty of room for four adults and reasonable boot space.

But the proof of the pudding is in its off-road ability and to use the four-wheel-drive system you need to charge up the battery which is used to send power to the rear wheels. There’s enough technology to believe it will do what it says on the tin in terms of grappling with snow, ice and mud. The Compass proved capable enough out in the field during our time with the car although it did coincide the driest spell we’ve had all year.

Trailhawk versions have a traction control system called Selec-Terrain which has five modes: Auto, Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto and Sport. Switching between the modes optimises the car’s traction control system.

The e-Hybrid offers official economy figures of between 46.3 and 49.6mpg. Its CO2 emissions are between 128g/km and 136g/km depending on the specification. Certainly the plug-in hybrid is the most economical in the range, particularly if you regularly top up the battery. It’s possible to eek out 30 miles of electric-only range and while we achieved an average fuel consumpton figure of 35.8mpg, around 50mpg should be easily achievable.

Looking at the numbers, 236hp means there is plenty of oomph available by the the Compass does not feel particularly quick and there’s a lot going on in the auto box in terms of shunting up and down. It’s all nice and quiet, however, under electric power but stick your foot down and the engine certainly makes itself heard.

Switching between modes is simple enough via three buttons.  Hybrid let’s the car decide for itself, electric locks it into silent, emission-free running although jam the throttle down and the engine will kick in. Then there’s e-save which does just that, saves the electric power until you need it in the city.

Back to the interior, and while passenger space is reasonable, cargo space is also good, although not best in class, at 438 litres. The cargo space has not been inhibited by the plug-in hybrid SUVs as the batteries and electrical components are tucked away under the car’s floor.

Instrumentation feels and looks modern although the infotainment screen controls a lot of functionality which can take some getting used to. There are proper knobs for the volume and temperature controls – chunky enough to see and use with ease.

All models get the 10.1-inch infotainment screen which includes sat nav and  Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Jeep is well equipped too with plenty of driver-assist systems.

In all, the Compass is easy enough to live with. Light steering means you don’t have to develop the muscles of a wrestler to haul it around while the ride is soft enough for comfort while ample suspension travel mans the car can make light work of pot holes and speed bumps.

P11D Value: £39,895

Engine: 1.3-litre, plug-in hybrid

Max Power: 236hp

Max Torque: 270Nm

Top Speed: 124mph

0-62mh: 7.3 secs

Fuel economy (on test): 35.8mpg

CO2 emissions: 44g/km