Jeep shows off revamped Compass SUV

Jeep introduced a new Compass SUV in the Korean market Thursday, partially revamped after four years.

Models pose with Jeep's new Compass SUV during a launch event in eastern Seoul on Thursday. [STELLANTIS KOREA]

Jeep introduced a new Compass SUV in the Korean market Thursday, partially revamped after four years.

The compact SUV has a sharper design, stronger driving performance and improved safety options, said Jake Aumann, managing director of Stellantis Korea during a press conference Thursday.

The most notable change is the seven-slot front grille and thinner LED headlamps. The target market is young Koreans, the company said.

Equipped with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine, the Compass can generate a maximum of 175 horsepower and 23.4 kilogram-meter torque.

Trunk capacity is 770 liters (203 gallons), which expands to 1,693 liters when the back seat is folded down, making it perfect for campers, the company said.

"The latest Compass SUV has a beautifully redesigned interior that, with an array of convenient features and safety technology, will capture the attention of the younger generation," said Billy Hayes, a senior vice president of sales and marketing for the India-Asia Pacific region at Stellantis. "It is more premium than ever, rivaling anything in its class. Our new Compass has already proven its credibility and sales success in countries as diverse as India, Japan, U.S. and Australia."

The sticker price starts from 51.4 million won ($39,500), with three versions available depending on the specs.

Jeep sold 10,449 cars in Korea last year.

Stellantis Korea plans to launch six new models in Korea in the second half.

Netherlands-based Stellantis was formed last year in a merger between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the PSA Group, and has 14 brands, including Chrysler, Jeep, Maserati, Peugeot and Citroen.

Stellantis sells four brands in Korea: Jeep, Peugeot, DS and Citroen.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]