We get behind the wheel of the Avenger compact SUV – Jeep’s first battery-powered automobile
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 prompted fairly a stir.
Not solely is it the primary Jeep to be created exterior of America (designed in Italy, inbuilt Poland), but it surely additionally marks the return of the Avenger identify, which was as soon as acquainted to British consumers.
Older readers would possibly do not forget that it as soon as ‘graced’ the Hillman Avenger household automotive (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 12 months 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 embody the Hyundai Kona Electrical, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV and Honda e:Ny1.
There’s little doubt that the chunky and cute Jeep Avenger is among the greatest lookers of the bunch with its traditional crossover form.
Sporting quick overhangs and additional 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 pace means a 10-80% top-up ought to take slightly below half-hour. Naturally, it can additionally cost totally in a single day you probably have a house wallbox.
Inside, there’s ample headroom entrance and rear, but it surely’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 seems fairly robust, however there are too many black plastic and arduous surfaces, whereas the leather-based seats in our take a look at automotive weren’t very forgiving.
It’s pretty minimalist up entrance, although fortunately there are shortcut buttons beneath the ten.25-inch central touchscreen for requirements similar to 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 might be good to have the choice to sit down decrease, however you quickly alter.
On the street it feels a bit faster than the official acceleration determine suggests, because of the moment torque. Wind and street noise is nicely 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.
General, the experience is agency, but it surely’s nimble and handles nicely. Physique lean is saved in verify on more difficult roads, whereas the steering is properly weighted. Sadly, there’s a number of pedal journey earlier than the brakes chunk, denting your confidence to push on.
You may’t alter the brake regeneration degree by way of paddles behind the steering wheel both – as an alternative you must choose ‘B’ mode on the gear selector or drive in Eco mode.
With out spending every week or so with the automotive, it’s arduous to estimate the Avenger’s real-world vary, however we’d say round 200 miles is feasible and this could improve in an city surroundings.
And as you’d count on from a cool compact crossover, the Avenger might be in its aspect in built-up areas. Straightforward to drive with a reasonably tight turning circle of 10.5 metres, visibility isn’t unhealthy both. And the place it’s not good, there’s a wide variety of cameras and sensors.
What’s extra, beneficiant cladding across the automotive ought to assist to cushion most automotive park dings, whereas the headlights and rear gentle clusters are barely recessed, in order that there’s much less likelihood of harm there too.
In all, there are six driving modes: Eco, Regular, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow. As ever, Regular is simply nice, whereas Eco and Sport uninteresting and increase throttle response respectively.
We tried some mild off-roading and traction is improved barely with Sand and Mud modes chosen, which implies it might be a subsequent greatest after 4x4s within the snow.
Nevertheless, the forthcoming four-wheel drive mannequin would be the one to go for if you must sort out muddy fields and extra excessive situations regularly.
With hill descent management, quick overhangs and raised experience top, plus 20 levels of strategy angle and 32 levels of departure angle, it definitely has off-road potential.
Lastly, there are three nicely geared up 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 price 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 pace and is extra rugged than most of its rivals.
Jeep UK
