The Jeep brand is expanding into new territory with its new compact Compass model, which will go on sale in the UK in May.

The Compass extends the Jeep brand to compete for the first time in the compact sport-utility vehicle segment, which will be similar in size to models like the Ford Focus. It is the first Jeep vehicle to offer fuel economy in excess of 43mpg with its diesel engine.

Compass will also be the Jeep brand’s first front-wheel-drive-based product and also the first with a fully independent suspension.

Peter Lambert, managing director of Chrysler Group UK, said: “The Jeep Compass is designed to reach younger and female customers who may not have previously considered the brand and see four-wheel drive as a must-have on their daily drive. Customers are increasingly interested in family hatchbacks with four-wheel drive systems as they offer better handling and enhanced safety on the road.

“The new Compass offers a choice of diesel and petrol engines and a new Freedom Drive 4WD system in a package the size of a Ford Focus.”

In the UK the Compass model will launch with a VW-sourced 2.0-litre six-speed manual diesel engine and 2.4-litre petrol engine with a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. Prices start at £17,990 on-the-road.