Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
The Jeep brand as most will know is famous for their heritage in making rugged 4×4 vehicles with real off road ability, not like SUV’s which often look like off roaders but most certainly are not. However this new Jeep called the Avenger may confuse because an off roader it sure isn’t but it aims to win buyers with its attractive new rugged style and compact but practical dimensions.
This then is the new Avenger, a front wheel drive battery powered EV, and their first all electric model so it is an important car for the brand. As part of the huge Stellantis Group it actually shares its platform with the Opel Mokka, and Peugeot e-2008.
Three models are available, Longitude, Altitude and Summit. Prices start at €31,495.
So how does it look?
My test car was finished in dark metallic silver and that highlighted the black trim around the wheel arches, bumper bases and door frames and gives the new Avenger a very attractive style. Its compact but has a bit of presence in the car park so I give it praise for looking a bit distinguished.
What’s it like inside?
Slip inside and you are greeted with a generally well finished if somewhat unimaginative interior. You don’t have to look far to find some rather cheap looking hard plastic trim but otherwise its all quite good.
The driving position is fine and the digital instrumentation delivers what you need to know in a clear and concise fashion.
The central touchscreen functions well with good graphics but thankfully there are a row of buttons for the climate functions.
There is good storage space with a large bin in the centre console with a flappy magnetic lid under which is also the wireless phone charger.
There is no gear shift lever rather a push button drive selector and being a Jeep there are drive modes for Snow, Mud. Standard kit from the Longitude up is really very good with, 16 inch alloys, keyless entry, start, and locking, hill descent control, auto lights and wipers and much more. The Altitude on test adds 17 inch alloys, a large 10.25 inch touchscreen, synthetic leather, adaptive cruise control and reversing camera as well as a powered tailgate.
The rear is best described as compact, knee room is tight for an average sized adult and headroom is similar. Best suited to short journeys unless the kids are your passengers. The boot is compact at about 355 litres.
What’s under the bonnet?
A 156 bhp electric motor driving the front wheels powered by a 54 kWh battery. Claimed range is 390km but in reality I achieved closer to 310 in mixed driving conditions.
Charging from 20% to 80% takes about 25 minutes on a high power DC charger.
What’s it like to drive?
Performance is quite good it feels nippy and proves nice and refined on the open road too.
The handling is good but as with all EV’s that mass is hard to disguise. The steering is light and precise and the ride is very good managing to soak up most imperfections with ease.
It is a pleasant car to drive and its compact dimensions make it a doddle to park in tight spaces.
Hugh’s Verdict.
With three models to choose from, a competitive price structure and an undoubtedly attractive style the new Avenger should appeal to those looking for a compact rugged styled car. It is certainly not an off roader though!