Jeep Avenger 1.2 E-AWD e-Hybrid The North Face 5dr DCT

Ten Second Review

Jeep's Avenger gets an extra dose of attitude in this more capable 4xe all wheel drive guise. This is what the brand now thinks a proper small Jeep should aspire to be.

Background

What kind of compact cars should Jeep be producing in this new electrified era? Enthusiasts for the marque had worried that the answer to that question might be models like the Avenger, a predominantly EV-orientated small SUV targeted more at Surbiton than Snowdon. Such fans of the brand might like this particular Avenger though, the 4xe (pronounced 'four-by-e'), which really is a proper pocket off-roader. If you fondly remember Fiat's capable Panda 4x4 and want a modern day equivalent, then this could well be your car. As the name suggests, it's the first Avenger to offer 4WD, though as the 'e' in the badge suggests, it's an electric set-up with a motor on each axle, the one at the back the only driving force for the rear wheels. But the raised ride height, the 'Selec-Terrain' drive modes and the more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension all look like they've been developed with at least one eye on off piste driving. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Though the Avenger was originally envisaged as an EV product, the powertrain of this 4xe version is resolutely combustion-based. It does feature a 48V mild hybrid electrical system, but even that's primarily there to improve traction and torque for off-road performance. The engine in question is the usual Stellantis-sourced 1.2-litre three cylinder turbo petrol 134bhp unit, driven through a 6-speed dual clutch auto gearbox. Here though, it features a pair of 28bhp electric motors, one on each axle. The resulting AWD system powers the 4xe to 62mph in 9.5s and on to 120mph. Jeep calls this car's AWD system 'smart', referring to the fact that power only goes to all four wheels at speeds of under 19mph. Between 19 and 56mph, the rear axle motor only cuts in when tractional needs require it. Above 56mph, the car is always front-driven. For off-roading, there's on-demand torque distribution with a front-to-rear split of up to 50:50. And there's a 'Selec-Terrain' system with 'Auto', 'Snow', 'Sand', 'Mud' and 'Sport' drive modes, which offer stability settings and power distribution according to terrain. The Avenger 4xe can traverse slopes of up to 40% - and 20% even without front axle grip. There are 22-degree approach, 21-degree breakover and 35-degree departure angles. Multi-link rear suspension allows greater rear axle articulation. And, thanks to a 10mm ride height increase (to 210mm), water up to 400mm deep can be forded.

Design and Build

If you know the Avenger, then you'll immediately recognise that this one's a bit different. The ride height's 10mm higher for a start. Which along with the revised bumpers allows for this top model's sharper approach and departure angles. Those bumpers are made from mould-in-colour material and feature an anti-scratch finish. The front fog lights have been shifted higher for better visibility and there are black roof rails, a rear towing hook and black alloy wheels. Plus green highlights around the lower intake and the bonnet. Inside, where there's a green 4xe badge on the centre console cover, there are more durable materials and the upholstery is entirely washable. Flecks of green feature around the cabin - a departure from the blue used on Jeep's other 4xe models. Otherwise, it's like in any other Avenger, with a lean dashboard supposedly inspired by the Wrangler, featuring an upper part made up of a single horizontal 'function beam', which includes all the air vents, ambient lighting and a central 10.25-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen. Inevitably, another screen resides in the instrument binnacle, of 10.25-inches in size. The lower side of the dash features a wide open storage shell which contributes generously to the 34-litre stowage space total in the cabin. The centre tunnel can be moved to fit the sizes of various items - or even removed entirely to accommodate larger objects like a handbag. Rear seat space is on the tight side as usual in a small B-segment SUV. Out back, the 355-litre boot is down on the 380-litre capacity of the other Avenger Hybrid model but reasonably large by class standards. It has a low 720mm loading height, a one-metre rear hatch width and the option of hands-free powered tailgate.

Market and Model

The Avenger 4xe slots in well above the existing Hybrid models. The standard 'Upland' most is priced from around £31,000. There's also a 'North Face Edition' version at around £35,000. Even the 'Upland' version is well equipped - and can be ordered with some interesting options that are unique to this model. Like the optional bonnet sticker designed to reduce reflections when driving in sunny weather. And if you are going to be venturing off road, you might want to replace the standard 'Mud & Snow' tyres with the optional All-Terrain 3PMSF tyres that Jeep also offers. Either way, the rims will be mounted on black alloys. Otherwise, the spec is pretty much as it would be on a top 'Summit'-trimmed Avenger in the standard range. Which means you get full-LED headlamps, front fog lights, 360-degree parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a hands-free powered tailgate, keyless entry and a 180-degree rear camera with a 'drone view' feature. Inside, there are heated front seats, a rear view camera, a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and the expected high standard of media tech. That means a Uconnect 10.25-inch centre screen with wireless 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. This top variant also gets a blind spot alert system; and Jeep's choiciest Level 2 ADAS driver assist systems, which allow drivers to maintain their speed, the distance from the vehicle ahead and the centre of the lane in a completely autonomous way. Traffic Jam assist also allows autonomous driving in traffic. Around 100 accessories are available, including graphics for the roof and flanks. This should mean that it'll be easily possible to ensure that your Avenger looks like no other.

Cost of Ownership

This 4xe e-Hybrid model should manage around 50mpg on the combined cycle and around 120g/km of CO2. The 1.2-litre petrol engine has been optimised for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving. Away from powertrain technology, Jeep has also given some thought about how to reduce damage caused by low speed impacts, which make up around 70% of accident cases in Europe. With that in mind, the Avenger's headlamps are encased and positioned high up away from low speed impacts. And the skid plates are made of a polymer mould which doesn't show visible scratches. In exposed areas like the doors, cladding is set high to offer extra protection. Thanks to these additions, the brand estimates the customer could reduce potential accident damage costs by up to around £1,000. Like other Jeep models, this one comes with a dedicated Jeep Customer Care service where a team of expertly trained agents will be available 24/7 to answer any questions about your journey.

Summary

Regardless of how much it sells, this is the kind of car Jeep needs to make sure it continues to produce. Stuffing this iconic brand's model line-up full of lifestyle SUVs might help parent company the Stellantis Group's profit margins, but it will eventually dilute the appeal of this famous marque. True, the Avenger 4xe isn't ultimately going to get you to base camp in the true wilderness, but it'll go a surprisingly long way off road if you're prepared to trust it. And of course it'll make quite a trendy statement at the gym - but that of course brings us right back to where we started.