Avenger Assembles
The Avenger needs presence because it’s small smaller than any Jeep since the original Willys So it’s a blocky looking thing But it’s blessedly free of pointless aggression At least in all respects beside the name like too many SUVs it sounds like some shoot ’em up computer game We won’t mention a Seventies Hillman
The design progressively riffs on current and past Jeep cues Its lamps and painted sheetmetal are inset from the plastic all round the perimeter so those cheap plastic parts have a sacrificial role against gentle scrapes in both green lane and bus lane By the same token short overhangs and decent ground clearance mean strong off road creds but also a particularly nonchalant attitude to city speed bumps Compared with its Vauxhall Mokka and DS platform mates big money has been spent on shortening the overhangs and extending wheel travel Again good for the rough and for town potholes and kerbs
So who’d’ve thunk it? Jeep has built an excellent city car Like any decent EV the powertrain is silent smooth and locally emissions free It qualifies for various cheap parking and congestion zone incentives Prices start at k
Jeep grabbed a new generation of Stellantis group electrical hardware all new bhp permanent magnet motor new battery cells new inverter Those bits will be cascaded to the other Stellantis cars soonish The WLTP range lies between and miles depending on wheel size so you’ll probably get real world in summer Quick enough rapid charging makes its long distance compass reasonably tolerable So it’s got the electrical gumption to propel you beyond the ring road
And the Avenger copes There are modes of course some of which alter the traction systems for off roading and the others are for the road ‘Eco’ really does staunch the motor so I used ‘Sport’ It’s quick enough The Avenger is actually fairly chuckable in corners even bumpy ones Thank the small size and long travel suspension It’s pleasant to steer and quiet too Overall it feels mature and well damped in its motions like a bigger vehicle
It’s surprisingly roomy for a little car too especially in the back seat where the battery is carved away to leave foot room Cabin and bootspace are decent Where decent is more than stingy but less than superabundant For a small car this is a cheery well made and imaginative enough cabin