We get behind the wheel of the Avenger compact SUV – Jeep’s first battery-powered car
Sharing an EV platform with its Stellantis group cousins – the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electrical and DS 3 E-Tense – the all-new Jeep Avenger has brought about fairly a stir.
Not solely is it the primary Jeep to be created exterior of America (designed in Italy, in-built Poland), however it additionally marks the return of the Avenger identify, which was as soon as acquainted to British patrons.
Older readers may do not forget that it as soon as ‘graced’ the Hillman Avenger household automobile (later Chrysler Avenger and Talbot Avenger), which was manufactured within the UK between 1970-81.
So, this all-new, all-electric child Jeep is a speaking level. It’s additionally an award-winner, as a result of it’s already been topped European Automobile of the Yr 2023. So, no stress there then…
Beginning at £35,700, it’s pitched proper within the midst of a aggressive sector. In addition to its aforementioned in-house rivals, others embrace the Hyundai Kona Electrical, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV and Honda e:Ny1.
There’s little question that the chunky and cute Jeep Avenger is among the greatest lookers of the bunch with its basic crossover form.
Sporting brief overhangs and further floor clearance, there’s loads of Jeep DNA with the signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, protecting cladding and ‘X’ tail-lights.
Initially out there as only a single-motor front-wheel drive (a dual-motor 4×4 model can also be deliberate) with 154bhp and 260Nm of torque, its 54kWh battery is nice for as much as 249 miles of vary (342 miles in metropolis driving), whereas a 0-62mph dash takes 9.6 seconds.
The Avenger’s 100kW most charging velocity means a 10-80% top-up ought to take just below half-hour. Naturally, it would additionally cost absolutely in a single day if in case you have a house wallbox.
Inside, there’s ample headroom entrance and rear, however it’s cosy within the again for passengers with longer legs. The Avenger’s 355-litre boot expands to 1,053 litres with the again seats folded, whereas accessibility is nice.
The cabin itself appears fairly powerful, however there are too many black plastic and exhausting surfaces, whereas the leather-based seats in our take a look at automobile weren’t very forgiving.
It’s pretty minimalist up entrance, although fortunately there are shortcut buttons below the ten.25-inch central touchscreen for requirements resembling local weather management. There’s additionally Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance, plus a built-in TomTom sat-nav.
The driving place is on the excessive aspect, and it will be good to have the choice to take a seat decrease, however you quickly modify.
On the highway it feels a bit faster than the official acceleration determine suggests, due to the moment torque. Wind and highway noise is effectively suppressed, even on poorer surfaces, which is a feat in itself, as a result of EVs run so quietly and the slightest sound is noticeable.
Total, the experience is agency, however it’s nimble and handles effectively. Physique lean is saved in examine on tougher roads, whereas the steering is properly weighted. Sadly, there’s a number of pedal journey earlier than the brakes chew, denting your confidence to push on.
You possibly can’t modify the brake regeneration degree by way of paddles behind the steering wheel both – as a substitute it’s important to choose ‘B’ mode on the gear selector or drive in Eco mode.
With out spending every week or so with the automobile, it’s exhausting to estimate the Avenger’s real-world vary, however we’d say round 200 miles is feasible and this could improve in an city atmosphere.
And as you’d count on from a cool compact crossover, the Avenger might be in its factor in built-up areas. Straightforward to drive with a reasonably tight turning circle of 10.5 metres, visibility isn’t dangerous both. And the place it’s not excellent, there’s a wide variety of cameras and sensors.
What’s extra, beneficiant cladding across the automobile ought to assist to cushion most automobile park dings, whereas the headlights and rear gentle clusters are barely recessed, in order that there’s much less likelihood of injury there too.
In all, there are six driving modes: Eco, Regular, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow. As ever, Regular is simply wonderful, whereas Eco and Sport boring and enhance throttle response respectively.
We tried some light off-roading and traction is improved barely with Sand and Mud modes chosen, which implies it could possibly be a subsequent greatest after 4x4s within the snow.
Nevertheless, the forthcoming four-wheel drive mannequin would be the one to go for if it’s important to deal with muddy fields and extra excessive situations frequently.
With hill descent management, brief overhangs and raised experience top, plus 20 levels of method angle and 32 levels of departure angle, it actually has off-road potential.
Lastly, there are three effectively outfitted trim ranges (Longitude, Altitude and Summit) and there’s loads of scope for personalisation thanks to varied decals, physique paints, contrasting ‘floating’ roof colors and equipment.
Verdict: We actually charge the Jeep Avenger – a powerful debut EV from the long-lasting American model. Compact, cool and competitively-priced, it has a helpful vary, good charging velocity and is extra rugged than most of its rivals.
Jeep UK
