In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Can you get a 4X4 2017 Jeep Compass with a 6-Speed manual?
- Need a fun, used luxury car that’s good in snow!
- Political and Religious beliefs?
This first question comes from a viewer who wants to know if the all-new 2017 Jeep Compass has a six-speed manual transmission with an AWD/4WD system.
Q:Hi Nathan, I had a few questions about the new Jeep Compass, can you help?
I saw some photos of the new Jeep Compass, but there are only a few details about it. What I was wondering is will Jeep give it a manual transmission and a 4X4 system? I know they will with the smaller Renegade, but it’s only available with the base version with the base engine.
Do you think it will be a front-wheel drive with manual only?
I hope not!
You guys are great!
Matt
A: Hi Matt!
While trim levels and pricing details have yet to be announced, we caught the entire introduction on video. We also have a brief interview with the head of Jeep Design, Mark Allen. The video below is the one I’m talking about.
Yes, it looks like Jeep will offer a 4WD system with the manual 6-speed Jeep Compass. No word on exactly what this transmission/4WD system will do. My guess is, like the Jeep Renegade (which the platform of the Jeep Compass is based) it will primarily be a front-wheel drive (FWD) system that transfers some of the torque to the rear wheels when slippage is detected.
If it is like that Renegade system, it will be a hoot to sling around snow, ice and muddy roads. It will not be a boulder crusher, but, unless you get the Trailhawk version, it’s not meant to be one. In the current Jeep Renegade base model, it has a rear axle disconnect that only engages when it’s needed.
If you want the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk, it will come with a 9-speed automatic and a version of the Active Drive low 4×4 system. When it’s in the Jeep Renegade, the Active Drive Low system adds a low range which is good for off-road use and has a 20:1 crawl ratio.
There are plenty of questions we want answered and you can rest assured, TFLcar will get all of the Jeep Compass info soon!
N
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This next question come from a viewer who wants a fun, luxurious car with all-wheel drive (AWD) and a manual transmission – for under $15,000.
Q: TFLcar help me! I want a fun car with all-wheel drive and a manual transmission. It has to be luxurious and it has to be affordable!
I absolutely disliked my boring Subaru Legacy. It was good in snow, but it had a horrible interior and it was slow. I had a few clients who I took for lunch in it ask if it was rented. Embarrassing me is a dealbreaker for any car.
I’ve looked at BMW, Audi and Lexus. I want something under $15,000 out the door and something that not every realtor drives. I will not drive American cars and Lexus (which I know you love) doesn’t make a car with a manual transmission. Am I missing something?
About two years ago, you suggested to my mom that she buy a used Lexus RX350. She has never been happier. As you said, it’s worth the extra expense if it makes you happy. Technically, it was a cheaper buy than the Mercedes ML she was looking at because of the excellent reliability. Thanks for that!
Thanks for helping my mom, can you help me now?
Trevor W.
[Son of Louisa W. in Kennebunkport]
A: Hi Trevor!
I’m so happy that Lexus worked out for you mom. Great to hear!
The first thing that came to mind was the 2009 – 2011 Acura TL SH-AWD with the six-speed manual transmission. It’s pretty rare and a damn good driver. I helped a friend research a 2010 Acura TL with SH-AWD (Super Handling – All-Wheel Drive) a little while back. He had the same parameters you do.
I’m a big fan of Acura quality and performance (on most of their cars), the Acura TL with SH-AWD is, even by today’s standards, an excellent machine. The looks are a tad harsh for some and the ride is firm as it is tuned for performance, but it’s a luxurious sedan that’s fun to drive with AWD.
You already mentioned BMW and Audi, and they do build excellent cars that would fill the bill too. Still, if you’re looking for something different, maybe the Acura will fill the bill.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a viewer who wants to know our social, religious and political points of view. It turns out that this is the same viewer who’s asked this question before – with a different name.
Q: (Taken from YouTube, emails and Twitter. Combined and condensed) Where does TFL stand on the issues?
What are your opinions regarding the election, religious persecution and politics in general?
MK
AC
KC
AK
etc…
A: Greetings.
From the very beginning, the TFL team keeps their social, political and religious beliefs to themselves. Our channels, web pages and books are completely neutral and will remain that way. This is a safe automotive haven where our audience will not be bombarded with political, social or religious rhetoric from any side.
Hope that helps.
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
