When Brian Coakley created Activeme.ie, the online travel and touring guide, his goal was to unlock Ireland's rugged landscape to anyone who wanted to venture out in it. The wilder side of Ireland was something that always appealed to the Kerryman and mapping routes to bring others deep into its landscape was a passion project.
A civil engineer by trade, his interest in the wild stems from a lifetime surrounded by some of Ireland's most dramatic countryside. We asked him to use the in-car technology in the all-new Jeep Compass to navigate one of his favourite routes on the Dingle Peninsula and show us just where this great new model can bring you.
OFFROAD POTENTIAL
Jeep's all-new Compass rolls out into the crossover market looking to provide the answer for those who want a balance between compact luxury and off-road potential.
From the outside the Compass looks honed for action, with a gently rising shoulder line complemented with a sloping roofline, the result being a profile that looks aerodynamic and sleek. When coupled with the brand’s signature seven-slot grille running the width of the front end the Jeep Compass carries a refined and athletic aesthetic that embodies some of the power beneath the bonnet.
With petrol and diesel options, the Compass has the flexibility to be tailored to individual needs. But all models take advantage of Jeep’s extensive off-road experience, with an easy switch between two wheel and four wheel drive to ensure changes in terrain are handled seamlessly and reliably.
A range of safety features such as lane departure, blind spot monitoring, electronic stability control, and a rear park assist system make motorway and city driving a smoother, more secure experience.
A keyless entry system gets access to the interior, where the Compass aims for a touch of luxury with options for a Black or Ski Grey leather trim. The tech continues inside with simple integration for your smartphone through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
NAVIGATE
Utilising voice technology along with the 8.6-inch touch screen embedded in the dash makes it easy to make and take calls, stream music and podcasts from your phone, and navigate while on the road. As an option, there's a configurable 7-inch instrument cluster, while a smaller monochrome cluster comes as standard.
Rain-sensing wipers and the option of Auto High-Beam Headlamp Control - which will automatically adjust headlights to oncoming traffic - makes it easier to focus on the task of driving in less than ideal conditions. A combination of seating splits provides an array of options to make use of space, whether that is carrying passengers around the city or carrying camping gear to the countryside. The compact and efficient Jeep Compass is geared toward adventure.