Jeep Avenger

What is it?

The Avenger, Jeep’s all-new, all-electric vehicle has been designed, developed and produced in Europe, for Europe, apparently, and although the Avenger is underpinned by the latest eCMP2 platform, there are more than 600 unique Avenger components, and 60% of parts are not in other Stellantis models. It may share its platform with the likes of Peugeot’s e-2008 and Corsa Electric, but Jeep have put a lot of extra overtime in to make it different.

Along with redesigned the crash structures front and back, there are shorter front and rear overhangs for better off-road work. Jeep also altered the inner wings to accommodate the larger diameter tyres and more wheel travel as well a widening the tailgate aperture for easier loading of bikes, camping equipment, etc.

It’s certainly chunky, and if you look closely you may recognise a few design cues from past Jeeps, and part of what makes it a proper Jeep is the body protection. The lamps and expensive bodywork are inset from the plastic surround to help minimise scraps and dings - handy for both urban car parks and errant gate posts.

On the road

With a kerbweight of 1,536kg, which is fairly light for an EV, the ride along the sometimes undulating Oxfordshire roads was actually quite pleasant, even with lengthened suspension travel that emphasis its off-road ability. There’s not much roll around corners either, though it’s obviously not a sports car.

It's quiet, too, and I know that sounds daft when writing about an electric vehicle, but both road and wind noise are well dampened. There are no squeeks, rattles or clonks either as I have to say that it feels well screwed together with an end result that leaves you feeling confident and relaxed. On the road it may not be the sprightliest, but 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds and a 93mph top speed is, in reality, more than adequate.

For on-road use the Avenger offers you three driving modes; Sport is the full 154bhp and 192lb ft. 'Normal' gives you 107bhp and 162lb ft, while in 'Eco' calms everything down with 80bhp and 132lb ft.

When it comes to efficiency over a 5-hour test drive it didn’t do too bad, we saw 4.1mi/kWh from the trip computer, implying a real-world range of well over 200 miles against the official claim of 249. (342 miles on the city cycle). That said, it was a lovely late summer’s day with temperatures in the high 20s, add some cold motorway journeys into the mix and I’d like to know how much that figure falls by.

Off road

Despite being 2WD, 4-metres long and adept for town driving, Daniele Calonaci – Head of Design for Jeep Europe went to great lengths explaining that the Avenger is still designed for the adventurous amongst us.

With 200mm ground clearance, 20° approach and breakover angles and a 32° departure angle, the Avenger is built with off-road prowess in mind. It has a flat underbody that’s also designed to protect the electric components and improve aerodynamics. And with a battery plate at 223mm off the ground, this gives the Avenger a wading depth of 230mm .

Although an all-wheel drive 4xe isn’t on the cards yet, the Avenger is still fitted with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, which is available with a front-wheel drive model for the first time.

I’ve mentioned that Eco, Normal and Sport are for on-road use, then there’s also Sand, Mud and Snow for off the beaten track.

Sand - Active up to 75mph - permits a small amount of simultaneous slip from the two driven wheels so the Avenger can tackle beach-like surfaces.

Mud - Active up to 31mph - allows the individual driven wheel with the least grip to spin even more while transmitting as much torque as possible to the driven wheel with the most grip. Snow: Active up to 50mph – constantly adapts the level of wheelspin to generate the maximum amount of traction in subzero conditions (lots of spin in thick snow; very little on ice).

In addition the Avenger is fitted as standard with Hill Descent Control, another debut for a front-wheel drive model, and operates at up to 43mph to reduce the risk of slip or loss of control when descending a slope with a gradient of more than 5%.

Sadly we didn’t get the opportunity to test its off-road ability.

Interior

The Avenger is a small car, but once inside it feel almost TARDISlike, and scattered around the front of the cabin there's 34 litres of storage spread across door bins, glovebox, centre console wells and the shelf beneath vents.

It’s easy to get comfortable, even if you’re like me - 6ft 2" and bordering on 18 stone! Tall rear passengers will will be happy with headspace, though not so much with legroom, but it is a small car don’t forget.

Visibility is good, and in front of you, if you’re the driver, there is a 10.25" colour touchscreen and 7" instrument display which grows into a 10.25" unit on mid-and top-spec cars.

Because the Avenger is designed and built with adventure in mind there’s plenty of tough plastic around - good for wiping off mud and dealing with bike forks and pedals.The boot is 380 litres with the seats up, and with them down you get a cracking 1,053 litres.

The Avenger is available in 3 trim levels - Longitude (£35,700), Altitude (£37,400) and Summit (£39,600)

Longitude

The entry point Avenger is wellequipped with many of the standard features that drivers expect from the compact SUV these days.

Longitude models include a 10.25" Uconnect infotainment system, Apple Carplay and Android Auto with wireless screen mirroring, cruise control, 16" alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and Jeep’s all-terrain drive mode selector.

All Longitude models feature an array of electric driving aids, including intelligent speed assistant, lane departure warning, lane support system, AEB with vulnerable road user (pedestrian and cyclist) recognition, traffic sign recognition, and drowsy driver detection.

Altitude

Moving up to the Altitude models adds a suite of styling and convenience features that make the Avenger great to look at and exceptionally easy to live with.

They are recognisable from the outside courtesy of larger 17" alloy wheels, while other hidden exterior features include passive entry and a highly practical hands-free power tailgate.

Inside, drivers and passengers benefit from a full-size 10.25" TFT cluster screen, adaptive cruise control and an additional USB-C port specifically for rear passengers.

Summit

At the top of the range, the Summit model brings the Avenger to its most advanced and luxurious level.

Diamond-cut 18" alloy wheels denote it as the flagship trim from the outside, along with LED headlights, taillights and fog lamps, plus automatic folding electric heated door mirrors with puddle lights.

A wealth of driver aids, and convenience features are found inside, including adaptive cruise control with lane centring and traffic jam assist, a 180º rear camera with front, rear and side parking sensors, an urban blind spot monitor, heated front seats, a heated windscreen and wireless charging for mobile devices.

Conclusion

Overall I enjoyed the Avenger experience, despite being just a couple of hours. I can see it being a decent city car, especially for those of us who want to go exploring during the weekends - chuck a canoe on top, load it up with bikes and it will happily handle the scuffs, scrapes and (not too deep), mud with ease. I’m looking forward to getting one on a proper loan, I just need to get myself a home charger. more at » jeep.co.uk/jeep-avenger/electric