The 2014 Jeep Compass has been unveiled at the Detroit auto show sporting tougher styling, a new six-speed automatic transmission and a fresh focus on safety.

Distinguishing the updated Jeep Compass from its predecessor is a revised silver mesh grille, dark-tinted headlights and tail-lights, painted mirror caps, and a chrome insert on the tailgate – all of which combine for a sportier and more sophisticated appearance.

The interior of the Compass also enjoys a subtle upgrade, with new upholstery and trim colours and materials, satin chrome inserts and revised instrument cluster graphics.

New to the 2014 Jeep Compass line-up is a six-speed automatic transmission, designed to improve drivetrain performance and refinement and reduce fuel consumption.

The transmission is available as an option in both front- and four-wheel-drive Compass variants powered by either the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or the larger 2.4-litre in high-grade models.

The standard five-speed manual and optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) carry over into the updated range alongside the new six-speed auto.

Jeep has addressed a major criticism of the current Compass by fitting side airbags as standard to the 2014 model, joining the already included front and curtain bags to take the tally to six. A rear-view camera is now also available in the compact SUV range for the first time.

The 2014 Jeep Compass will begin rolling off the company’s Belvedere assembly line in Illinois during the second quarter of this year, ahead of the car’s arrival in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2013.

Jeep sold 2898 Compasses in Australia in 2012, giving it a 5.1 per cent share of the small SUV segment, placing it sixth behind the Nissan Dualis, Hyundai ix35, Subaru XV, Mitsubishi ASX and Volkswagen Tiguan.