• Logical layout
• Easy-to-use
• Good infotainment

How is the quality and layout?

Both quality and layout are pretty good. We’ll start with quality. Most things you touch seem well-made. And it all looks good too.

There are a few exceptions. The door handles look like they’ll be solid and hefty but they feel light and a bit flimsy to touch. Plastics around where you’d put a water bottle in the door storage are also a bit scratchy.

The layout feels very modern, mostly because of the infotainment (more below.). It controls a lot of functionality. One such example is the heated seats. At the top right of the screen is a chair symbol. Click it and it pops out. Click it three times and it goes to fully on. It might be a bit more distracting than a button but the screen is responsive enough not to make it a chore.

We’re pleased to report there are physical dials for the volume and buttons for the A/C and temperature controls. They’re all very chunky, too, which means you can operate them wearing gloves in the winter.

Behind the steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital display that shows info such as the mph and fuel economy. On the e-Hybrid and 4xe models, it also features a charge level indicator for the battery.

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Infotainment and tech

All models get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The resolution is crisp and inputs are sharp. The navigation system feels up-to-date and it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Standard tech is strong too. This includes things such as traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist (keeps the car within the speed limit).

Trailhawk models get a sophisticated traction control system called Selec-Terrain, which is aimed at off-roaders. It has five modes: Auto, Rock, Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto and Sport. Switching between the modes optimises the car’s traction control system. We found it to make a big difference off-road, but absolutely none on road.

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Comfort

• Supportive seats
• Quite noisy at motorway speed
• Soft suspension

Broadly, the Compass is a comfortable car. It’s tall height means it’s easy to get in and out of – and it also makes it easy to load and unload child seats.

The seats have plenty of adjustment. You sit high up, which gives you a good view of the road out ahead. If you want electronic adjustment and leather seats, though, you’ll need to go for the S model.

Or, if you have a more eco-friendly streak, you can opt for the Upland specification, which swaps the standard seat fabric out for material made from reclaimed plastic that was fished out of the Mediterranean Sea.

The car’s infotainment system can store user profile preferences too. Seating position, mirror angles, and climate controls can be pre-programmed. This can save you a lot of time if you share a car with someone.

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