CUV Cornucopia In L.A.

LOS ANGELES – FCA U.S. and Ford join the burgeoning Small CUV segment with all-new entries for the North American market introduced here at the Los Angeles auto show – the Jeep Compass for FCA and the EcoSport for Ford.

Both the Compass and EcoSport already are on sale elsewhere in the world, so few modifications are necessary to add them to the automakers’ growing CUV portfolios. The Compass went on sale in South America in September, while the EcoSport has been sold in Europe, Asia and South America since 2013.

The vehicles represent additions to a segment flooded with 16 entries, including the reigning sales leader Jeep Patriot/Compass twins that will be replaced by the all-new Compass. Other strong players in the segment include the Buick Encore, Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, the Hyundai Tucson/Kia Sportage pair and the Subaru XV Crosstrek.

The Small CUV segment is soaring, gaining 30.4% year-over-year through October to nearly 796,000 units, WardsAuto data shows, making it one of the fastest-growing slices of the automotive market.

The Compass hits the U.S. market in first-quarter 2017, but the EcoSport won’t make its debut until 2018. FCA launched Compass production in September at its Goiana assembly plant in Pernambuco, Brazil, but the U.S. model will be built at FCA’s plant in Toluca, Mexico.

The U.S.-bound EcoSport will be built at Ford’s plant in Chennai, India.

EcoSport powertrains include a 1.0L EcoBoost turbocharged 3-cyl. and a 2.0L naturally aspirated 4-cyl. Final ratings are unavailable for the U.S. powertrains in the EcoSport, but in other applications such as the ’17 Focus the 1.0L produces 123 hp and 125 lb.-ft. (169 Nm) of torque and the 2.0L makes 160 hp and 146 lb.-ft. (198 Nm). Fuel-economy estimates also aren’t available, but combined fuel economy for the 1.5L front-drive EcoSport sold in Europe with a 6-speed automatic is listed at 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km).

The EcoSport headed to the U.S. gets an extensive makeover including a new front fascia, new seats, Sync 3 and optional uplevel B&O Play audio, along with revised suspension for the U.S. market, says Eric Loeffler, chief engineer. An unusual feature carrying over to the U.S. model is the side-hinged swing gate providing access to the rear cargo area.

EcoSport features sporty SES trim.

Four trim levels will be offered: S, SE, SES and Titanium. The SE is expected to be the volume model while the SES offers an active alternative with a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.

Ford believes the smaller-than-Escape CUV will attract Millennials as well as empty-nest Baby Boomers looking for functionality and capability along with more efficiency and easier parking.

“These are people interested in bringing in a lot of experiences instead of a lot of things,” says Christina Aquino, marketing manager-small/medium SUVs.

Compass Sets New Direction

FCA hopes to have its own home run in the Small CUV segment with the Compass, which mirrors the significantly larger Jeep Grand Cherokee in appearance. The interior features a wide range of options, including a 7-in. (17.8-cm) color instrument panel and an 8.4-in (21.3-cm) center information screen. Four trim levels will be offered: Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk.

Although FCA offers five engine choices globally, the North American model is limited to the 2.4L Tigershark 4-cyl. featuring MultiAir2 variable-valve actuation. The engine produces 180 hp and 175 lb.-ft. (237 Nm) of torque and delivers up to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) depending on transmission.

Three transmissions include a 9-speed automatic available in 4x4 models and a choice of 6-speeds, a manual with 4x2 or 4x4 models and an automatic with 4x2 only.

Newest Jeep mimics big brother Grand Cherokee.

Built on FCA’s Small-Wide architecture but lengthened 2.6 ins. (66 mm) compared to the Renegade that uses the same chassis, the Compass boasts up to 8.5 ins. (216 mm) of ground clearance and 8.2 ins. (208 mm) of rear-wheel articulation to provide off-road capability.

The Jeep Active Drive system automatically shifts from front- to all-wheel drive, while Selec-Terrain allows drivers to easily choose drive modes depending on conditions. The Trailhawk model offers a Rock mode and Active Drive Low with a 20:1 crawl ratio.

“First and foremost, the all-new Compass is an authentic Jeep SUV delivering class-leading off-road capability,” says Art Anderson, vehicle line executive.

[email protected] @bobgritzinger