Jeep Avenger in Blick test: This is how Europe’s car of the year 2023 drives

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Do Jeep SUVs come with all-wheel drive and fat V8 engines? It was once like that. Since its takeover by Stellantis Group, it has been clear that Jeep will be all-electric in the future. After the Renegade and Compass models were electrified as plug-in hybrids, Avenger became the brand’s first fully electric vehicle. Successful: Shortly after its new launch, the Jeep Avenger won the 2023 European Car of the Year title. Blick had the opportunity to take a closer look at the winner.

The Avenger’s interior looks tidy and practical. All the traditionally hard plastics shouldn’t bother Jeep fans much. There are two 10.25-inch screens as standard, but there are also practical analog buttons for climate control under the center screen. The cockpit also offers plenty of storage space for small items up to 34 litres. At just 4.08 meters long, the Jeep Avenger is shorter than the VW Golf and therefore fits into most parking spaces. But this does not diminish the SUV feeling: The high seating position on the comfortable cloth seats offers a wide viewing angle. However, given the narrow dimensions, there is not much room left for the back seat: it is enough for your head, but quite narrow for your feet and knees.

The Avenger was the first of its Stellantis siblings (DS 3 e-Tense, Fiat 600e, Peugeot e-2008 and Opel Mokka-e) to receive a 156 hp (115 kW) electric drive developed from the company’s shelf. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a respectable 9 seconds; It sounds like a lot, but in practice it feels fast. Maximum speed is reached at 150 km/h. The transition from electric, regenerative braking to the intervention of the mechanical braking system is disturbing: It occurs quite suddenly and is therefore clearly noticeable. The steering is precise and rolling movements are well controlled as long as you don’t overdo it when cornering at speed.

DCX STORY: doc7s932qs3no64qd8ho2u [Jeep Avenger Summit]

The standard equipment of the small electric SUV includes all the important aids: lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking and a drowsiness warning function reliably. Adaptive cruise control and blind spot sensors are available on higher trim levels. Hill descent control is also available. The Avenger’s driving behavior is impressive: with a fairly tight setup on tarmac, the Stromer cushions itself confidently on gravel roads through the forest. This is not possible thanks to shock absorbers designed specifically for harsh conditions.

Avenger aims to preserve the Jeep DNA with its 20 centimeters of ground clearance, side skirts, underbody protection and three different driving modes. However, this off-road package is not enough to allow the front-wheel drive vehicle to enter more challenging terrain; But that’s not what’s intended. However: The 51 kWh battery under the body can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in 24 minutes with a 100 kW charging capacity – many competitors are faster. The theoretical range of 404 kilometers increased to 350 kilometers in practice. It was stated that, as in electric vehicles, consumption on highway trips increased to 20.7 kWh/100 kilometers on average, while the average consumption was 16.4 kWh/100 kilometers.

A treat for Easter egg hunters: This refers to the little allusions the designers hid throughout the car. The chief designer’s son modeled the stargazer with a telescope on the windshield, and there are also insects on the roof and mountain silhouettes on the rear window. If you’re looking for a compact and reliable electric car at a reasonable price, the Avenger is the right choice. The basic version of the Avenger called Longitude starts at 39,490 francs. There is only one option for the fully equipped Summit version; Charging cable for home socket. This brings our test car to 47,221 francs.

Source: Blick