By Breda Corrigan
Having already been awarded such prestigious titles as European Car of the Year 2023 and Best Family SUV in the Women’s World Car of the Year awards, the new Jeep Avenger is a pure-electric small SUV that is definitely worth getting excited about. The new Avenger is the first Jeep to have been designed and engineered in Europe, manufactured in Europe, and sold exclusively in Europe, and it sets the theme for a host of new Jeep models coming our way in the years ahead. The Avenger is the first EV from the US firm, and it successfully manages to look compact and robust on the outside, and substantial on the inside.
Sets New Standards.
Designed with functionality in mind, the Jeep Avenger sets new standards for comfort and convenience in urban commuting or off-road adventures. Its innovative shock-resistant design protects the lights and skid plates from low-speed impact, with the vehicle completely shielded by the 360-degree bodywork protectors. The perfectly-proportioned muscular shapes that embody the exterior of the Avenger are enhanced by Jeep’s trademark seven-slot front grille, while the full-LED headlights and distinctive rear lights make the Avenger a car recognisable at first glance. Traditional Jeep design cues work exceptionally well on the small SUV, and when you are seated in the stylish cabin, it is easy to forget that you are in a car that measures just 4.08-metres in length. The Avenger’s standard 380-litre boot capacity can be expanded to 1,250-litres by dropping the rear seat backs.
Eco-Friendly Adventure.
The Avenger offers an eco-friendly powertrain that combines zero emissions with a sense of adventure and excitement. The Avenger is front-wheel drive only (for now, anyhow) and it uses a lithium-ion battery with a 51kWh usable capacity to produce 154hp and 260Nm of instant torque. As a result, it can sprint to 100km/h from a standing start in 9.0-seconds, and a fully-charged battery can provide up to 404km of range on a WLTP combined driving cycle, with up to 550km achievable on an urban cycle. The Avenger can charge at a rate of up to 100kWh at a public fast charging station, and this can provide a 20-80% charge in just 24 minutes, or a 30km range boost in just 3 minutes if required. It can also be charged at a rate of up to 11kWh via a domestic wallbox charger.
Trims & Specifications.
The new Avenger is offered in three trim guises: Longitude, Altitude and Summit, each adding progressively more standard equipment. Key standard equipment in entry-level Longitude trim includes a 7-inch TFT display, 10.25-inch DAB radio & infotainment system with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless mirroring, front central armrest with storage, height adjustable cargo floor, 16-inch painted alloy wheels, LED reflector headlights, an All-Terrain mode selector, alarm, automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, EV drive mode selector, hill descent control, keyless start, rear parking sensors and Vulnerable Road User Recognition (AEB) – pedestrian & cyclist. Additional standard specification in Altitude trim includes a 10.25-inch colour TFT display, 17-inch alloy wheels, passive entry, tunnel pad cover for centre console, adaptive cruise control, handsfree tailgate, traffic sign information, and a rear view camera with dynamic guide lines. Upgrading to range-topping Summit trim will bring with it heated front seats, front & rear velour floor mats, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, automatic high beam assist, bi-function LED projector headlamps, power-folding door mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, LED front fog lights, LED tail lights, rear privacy glass, 360-degree parking sensors, adaptive cruise control with lane centering & traffic jam assist, heated windscreen, urban blind spot monitoring, welcome & leaving lamps and wireless smartphone charging. No matter what trim level is chosen, the Avenger comes with All-Terrain drive modes that provide the driver with the choice of Snow, Mud or Sand modes to suit road and weather conditions, in addition to Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes too.
On The Road.
My test car was a Jeep Avenger Summit, which was finished in striking ‘Sun’ metallic paintwork with a Volcano (black) roof, and stylish 18” diamond-cut alloy wheels. The Avenger’s short front and rear overhangs, wide track and significant 200mm of ground clearance give it a chunky look. The cabin feels roomy – even for adults over 6 feet tall – and overall build quality is excellent, while drivers will find the logical dash layout easy to use. Jeep claims there are 34 litres of storage in the cabin, with the space underneath the central screen particularly useful. The infotainment system is right up-to-date in terms of the technology used, the screen is a good size, and it is responsive too. The climate controls sit on a row of piano-style buttons underneath the touchscreen, and this will come as good news for many drivers. On the road, the Avenger’s dynamic ability really shines through, with the characteristically rigid structure and firm suspension keeping the car’s body control in check, without compromising overall comfort in the process. The Avenger is a really easy car to drive around town, where its light steering, compact size and relatively-high seating position prove invaluable. The punchy electric motor enables quick progress, and even though the regenerative braking system doesn’t allow for one-pedal driving, it does slow the car sufficiently enough to allow for smooth and well-controlled braking. The push-button drive gear selector is located at the bottom of the central dash, and is easy to get used to. For drivers who do wish to take advantage of the regenerative braking function, all that is required is a double press of the ‘D’ button when required. In terms of efficiency, the Avenger is capable of consuming as little as 15.6kWh/100km on a WLTP mixed driving cycle, with annual road tax costing just €120.
Verdict & Pricing.
The new Jeep Avenger is a really likeable and immensely capable small SUV that is cleverly packaged, efficient, and great to drive. The Avenger redefines what it means to be an electric vehicle by seamlessly blending power, versatility and cutting-edge technology into one exceptional package specifically tailored for every driver’s needs. Pricing for the new Jeep Avenger starts at just €35,995 (including Government incentives). Price as tested: €42,495.
