IT IS not hard to visually define the new Compass SUV as a Jeep. With its seven-slot grille, squared wheelarches and generally boxy look, it perpetuates the theme established by the original military runabout more than 60 years ago. But under the skin, the new Jeep is a conceptual dead-ringer for the other compact SUVs against which it competes. The engine is slung laterally across the engine bay and, unless needs dictate, drives just the front wheels. The suspension is all-independent and the emphasis is on providing a quiet ride and secure handling rather than the ability to deftly cope with a rocky, rutted mountain track. In the end, the Compass is a competent, competitive entrant selling directly against Toyota’s RAV4, Honda’s CR-V, Nissan’s X-Trail and Mitsubishi’s Outlander. It gives nothing away to any of these – apart from the Outlander’s seven-seat capability – in terms of packaging, dynamic capability, or pricing. It does have one ace up its sleeve though: It is the first compact SUV to offer a turbo-diesel option.