Jeep Compass diesel AT vs petrol DCT: Observations after a 30 min drive

The 9-speed AT demonstrated a higher level of confidence when it came to gear shifting compared to the DCT.

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Was at the unveiling of the Compass 4x2 AT at KHT Prime Jeep. The Compass was unveiled after a delay of about two hours due to a lack of customers in attendance.

Here are some observations from a 30 min spin of the 2.0 Diesel AT, particularly in comparison to the 1.4 Petrol DDCT :

1. Improved Tractability: The Diesel AT has an impressively better lower end, which makes manoeuvring through slow-moving traffic a breeze. As the turbo engaged, the car felt more agile and responsive. The acceleration was notably linear and smooth, distinguishing it from other lighter vehicles in its class.
2. Weighty Feel: While the 2.0 Multijet Diesel AT is a more capable powertrain than the now-discontinued petrol version, it still exhibits a sense of weightiness, particularly at lower speeds. The engine is by no means underpowered, but it does feel like it has its task cut out.
3. Refinement and Noise: In terms of refinement, it's decent, but the typical diesel clatter is noticeable. There's a certain amount of noise that seeps into the cabin, but the vibrations are well-controlled. Personally, I found the refinement of the 1.4 petrol variant to be more to my liking.
4. Transmission Performance: While it would have been a nice addition for Jeep to introduce a sports mode or paddle shifters for added control, the 9-speed AT demonstrated a higher level of confidence when it came to gear shifting compared to the DCT. However, the manual mode didn't seem very practical during the 30-minute drive I took, as it often didn't allow for manual shifting.
5. Cabin Ambience: The insides of the specced 'Model S' I explored later appeared somewhat claustrophobic in comparison to the lighter and livelier feel inside the cabin of the Limited (O) that I drove. Jeep somehow seems to have gone a bit overboard with the all-black interior theme. Of course, this is purely a matter of personal choice.

In summary, the Compass 2.0 Diesel AT appears to be a more well-rounded package. It effortlessly handles city driving and should prove equally capable on highways. Despite the initial sense of heaviness, its improved tractability and transmission performance make it a solid choice for those looking for an all-around driving experience.

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