Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Fiat-Chrysler's 2017 Jeep Compass has begun arriving at U.S. dealers as the brand's bid to expand its compact SUV sales with a streamlined offering in that segment.

The 2017 Compass is essentially replacing three outgoing compact SUVs, including the Liberty (discontinued after the 2012 model year), Patriot, and first-generation Compass, according to Jeep spokespeople who attended a media launch event in Los Angeles on April 25.

FCA also hopes sedan buyers will gravitate to the 2017 Compass, which has been reworked to resemble the Grand Cherokee, said Scott Tallon, director of the Jeep brand told automotive journalists.

At least initially, allocation of the Jeep Compass to daily rental or commercial fleet users such as branded insurance fleets could be minimal, Tallon said.

"We'll balance these two, but it will be kept at a minimum," Tallon said.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

Photo by Paul Clinton.

FCA is offering the 2017 Jeep Compass in three trim levels, including Sport, Latitude, and Limited. A Compass Trailhawk variant will provide greater off-road capabilities. U.S. models will be powered by a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder engine.

FCA will offer 16 powertrain combinations in various global markets, including a diesel engine. The company has no plans to offer a diesel Compass in the U.S., Tallon said.

The vehicle will be built at assembly plants in Mexico, China, Brazil, and India. U.S. models will be built at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

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