In a surprising turn of events, Jeep's latest offering, the all-new Avenger, is making waves not only for its remarkable design but for being the first Jeep born outside of American soil. Designed in Italy and built in Poland, the Avenger is a standout in the Jeep lineup, heralding the return of a cherished nameplate known to British buyers.
With a starting price of £35,700, the Avenger enters a fiercely competitive market segment, where it rubs shoulders with contenders like the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV, and the Honda e:Ny1, in addition to its Stellantis siblings, the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric, and DS 3 E-Tense.
What immediately catches the eye is the Avenger's robust and charming appearance. Sporting short overhangs and a raised stance, it retains quintessential Jeep design elements, including the iconic seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, protective cladding, and distinctive 'X' tail-lights.
Initially, the Avenger is offered as a single-motor front-wheel-drive model, with a dual-motor 4x4 version in the pipeline. Its powerplant delivers 154bhp and 260Nm of torque, paired with a 54kWh battery offering up to 249 miles of range (or an impressive 342 miles in city Driving conditions). Acceleration from 0 to 62mph takes a sprightly 9.6 seconds.
Charging is a breeze with the Avenger's 100kW maximum charging speed, making a 10-80% top-up achievable in just under 30 minutes. For overnight charging convenience, a home wallbox does the job.
Inside the Avenger, there's ample headroom in the front and rear, though rear passengers with longer legs may find it a bit cozy. The Avenger's 355-litre boot expands to a generous 1,053 litres with the rear seats folded, ensuring practicality. The cabin exudes ruggedness, but some critics point out that there's an abundance of black plastic and hard surfaces, with the leather seats in the test car receiving mixed reviews.
The dashboard takes a minimalist approach, but essential shortcuts under the 10.25-inch central touchscreen make key functions easily accessible, including climate control. Smartphone integration is covered with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a built-in TomTom sat-nav.
The driving position is elevated, and while an option for a lower seating position would be appreciated, it's a matter of quick adjustment.
On the road, the Avenger feels more spirited than its official acceleration figures suggest, thanks to the immediate torque response. Impressively, wind and road noise are well-muted, even on less-than-ideal surfaces, a notable feat given the inherently quiet nature of electric vehicles.
Ride quality is generally firm but nimble, and the Avenger handles with poise. Body lean is kept in check even on challenging roads, with nicely weighted steering. However, brake response leaves room for improvement, as there's significant pedal travel before the brakes engage, affecting driver confidence.
Brake regeneration adjustment isn't available via steering wheel paddles; instead, you have to select 'B' mode on the gear selector or drive in Eco mode.
While it's challenging to determine the Avenger's real-world range without extended testing, an estimated 200 miles in typical driving conditions seems plausible, with even more range potential in urban environments.
The Avenger's forte likely lies in city driving, where its compact crossover dimensions shine. It's easy to maneuver, boasting a tight turning circle of 10.5 meters, and visibility is commendable. When visibility falls short, a range of cameras and sensors step in to assist.
The Avenger offers six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow. For most drivers, the Normal mode will suffice, while Eco and Sport adjust throttle response.
If you venture off the beaten path occasionally, the Sand and Mud modes offer slightly improved traction, making it a capable contender in snowy conditions. However, for those who frequently tackle rugged terrains, the forthcoming four-wheel-drive model will be the go-to choice.
Boasting hill descent control, short overhangs, raised ride height, and impressive approach and departure angles, the Avenger is well-equipped for off-roading adventures.
With three well-appointed trim levels (Longitude, Altitude, and Summit), the Avenger offers ample personalization opportunities with various decals, body paint options, contrasting 'floating' roof colors, and accessories. This Jeep has indeed revitalized the Avenger name with a fresh approach to design and electric performance, opening a new chapter in the brand's storied history.
