A colleague of our Brazilian correspondent has photographed an undisguised version of the upcoming Jeep Compass in São Paulo, ahead of its anticipated debut at the Paris Motor Show.

Gustavo Henrique Ruffo, who recently wrote our First Drive of the Nissan Kicks, reports that Ricardo Meier, the editor of Autoo, photographed the white pre-production model in front of a hotel in the Brazilian capital. The vehicle, previously known only as project 551, was developed in Brazil and its world launch is also expected to happen in the South American country.

The name of the car cannot be seen in the pictures, but Meier is positive that it’s a Compass, as he read the lettering on thedriver’s side door. It is the third spinoff on the small crossover/SUV platform that underpins the Renegade and Fiat 500X, which are built at FCA’s Mirafiori plant. The biggest physical difference is that the Compass is about 170 mm longer than the Renegade.

The Compass has definitely gained a more sophisticated appearance… Note the contrasting black finish of the A-pillars, roof and rear spoiler and the expansive chrome trim, not only around the side glass but between the C-Pillars (where it underscores the base of the rear window).

The newcomer will see the introduction of a new 2.0-litre WGE (World Gasoline Engine) unit with a peak output of 117 kW, a 124 kW 2.0-litre MultiJet turbodiesel engine is on the cards (although it is less likely to be availed to the local market) and, as is the case with the top-of-range Renegade, a 137 kW 2.4-litre petrol motor mated with the 9-speed ZF transmission. We don't believe the Compass will depart from its predecessor's front-wheel-drive configuration.

More details, including interior info, should be available by the time of the Paris Motor Show.

Images appear with the permission of Ricardo Meier/Autoo.com.br.

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