JEEP has brought the Compass back from the dead after two years' absence, bringing sharper pricing and a smart new look.

It joins the Jeep Patriot to form a two-pronged attack on the compact SUV class as the only American-made contenders in the small soft-roader segment.

Starting from just $26,500 for the 2.0-litre manual two-wheel drive Sport model and with the all-wheel-drive Sport available from just $28,500, the little Jeep begs the attention of buyers spoilt for choice in a hotly contested category.

The new Compass has lost the turbo-diesel engine option that was the choice of the original model, leaving the choice of just two petrol models.