MOTORSHOW Detroit 2002

Chrysler thinks that it has identified a whole new demographic of car buyers, aged 24 or under. This group will soon outnumber the so-called 'baby boom' generation, probably prove a lot more lucrative than Generation X slackers, and apparently, they "are looking for an authentic, affordable vehicle to carry their friends and gear", says Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President of Design for the Chrysler Group. A beat-up supermini or Mum's cast-off always did well enough for most British teenagers and students, but these guys, who Chrysler call "Millennials", are somewhat more demanding. Creed says that: "they would prefer to have an exotic sports car, but those are not only out of their financial reach, but don't offer enough room or flexibility. Knowing their preference for the Jeep brand, we created the Compass to exactly fit the bill: a capable compact SUV offering performance, cargo space and an attractive price".

Built upon the Cherokee platform and inspired by the Jeepster concept of 1999, the Compass has two doors, full-time four-wheel drive, a low centre of gravity and a short wheelbase. Constructed around a lightweight steel 'uniframe', it has a 3.7-litre V6 engine which produces 210 bhp and 235 lb ft of torque, "offering ample power whether travelling on pavement, gravel, dirt or snowy city streets". Let's hope one doesn't mount the pavement near you.

To go with the enduring trend for combat trousers, outdoor survival clothing and military-issue accessories (for nothing more demanding than nipping out for a Starbucks latte), the Compass is finished in "G Force Green" paint, army-style. Michael Castiglione, exterior designer, says that the colours used convey "mature, honest integrity and are steeped in Jeep authenticity". Jordan Meadows, from Chrysler's Pacifica design centre, raises the kitsch factor further by suggesting: "even as the instrument panel looks like the cockpit of a fighter jet with technical dials and gauges - and of course, a compass - we have kept the interior styling simple, uncluttered and functional". And if all this is just too exciting, there's a wipe-clean rubber floor.

The four bucket seats are trimmed in green leather and Goretex, with co-ordinating "G Force Green soft-touch grommets". Bet they didn't have those in 'Nam. The rear seats fold flat, and the roof has a liner with tie-down points for cargo.

"Our goal was to make the Jeep Compass rugged, durable and able to take a beating at all the typical scuff zones", said Castiglione. "You can play hard and be rough on this vehicle and its exterior holds up, giving the driver total freedom to go anywhere, do anything. After all, it is an authentic Jeep vehicle - right down to its seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches".If authenticity is really what the kids want, then they'd buy ancient Willy's Jeeps or Series 1 Land Rovers. But there must be a market for this sort of thing - illustrating how different the American's really are from us Europeans - and Chrysler intends to address it. "This latest Jeep concept will no doubt have consumers heading in its direction in the near future", says Chrysler. Gee, it must be such great fun being a Millennial.