A rugged EV, but no four-wheel drive
Doctor on the Road: Jeep Avenger
Want to go green in the urban jungle? Dr Tony Rimmer found this offering from an iconic marque a strong contender.
if you were looking for a brand that represents ruggedness, some off-road ability and a touch of American character, you may well think of Jeep.
The Jeep started life in 1941 as the iconic small four-wheel-drive general purpose vehicle that was used by American troops all over the world during the Second World War.
You could say that it was the world’s first real 4×4, pre-dating the Land-Rover by seven years and started a trend that continues to this day. We all have images in our minds of heavily laden Jeeps tackling impossible looking terrain while looking tough and unstoppable.
Powerful brand
No amount of the manufacturer’s own advertising could create such a powerful brand image.
Unfortunately, in the post-war period, buyers wanted cheap family transport and the whole 4×4 movement had to wait another 20 years before becoming attractive.
Subsequently, Jeep had financial problems due to low sales numbers and the brand went through several ownerships.
In 2021, owners Fiat-Chrysler merged with Peugeot-Citroen to create Stellantis which is the fourth biggest global car producer behind Toyota, Volkswagen Group and the Hyundai Group.
Jeep has continued to produce cars with tough off-road appeal and, in the UK, offers four different classes of models of various sizes.
Like every other manufacturer, though, they have had to offer a pure electric option and in 2023 they launched the Avenger, a small crossover SUV.
I am old enough to remember the Hillman Avenger, but that is a different story. It is available in three trim levels: Longitude £34,800, Altitude £36,500 and the Summit £38,700, and it is this top model that I have been testing.
To keep costs down, the chassis and drivetrain is shared with other Stellantis EVs such as the Peugeot E-2008, Vauxhall Mokka E and the Citroen e-C4. A single 154bhp electric motor sends power to the front wheels fuelled by a reasonably sized 54kWh battery.
The body, however, is pure Jeep. It looks rugged and chunky with tough lower body panels giving it a real off-road look. Not that you would go looking for a steep muddy trail – there is no four-wheel drive here.
Ready for action
I have to say that, in the flesh, the Avenger looks the part: like a full-sized Tonka toy. It presents at its best in white or bright yellow to offset the contrasting black roof and cladding. With wheels at each corner, it looks ready for action.
Inside, the tough work-like theme continues with a body-coloured dashboard and the trim feels durable, if a bit scratchy. The driver has a large clear display in front with a large central infotainment screen offering all the usual amenities.
The front seats are comfortable and roomy, but the back seats are pretty cramped. This is a car that works OK with child seats or small adults, but would challenge a fully grown family of four. At least the boot is of decent size and helped by the squared-off body design.
It is really on the road that the Avenger excels. Ironically, it is best suited to the urban jungle rather than the real jungle. Its compact dimensions, great visibility and instant electric get-up-and-go drivetrain make it a joy when nipping around town.
Urban runabout
I can see it working really well as a second car to charge at home, zip to the supermarket, pick the kids up from school and have some fun while doing it. A real-world range of around 180 miles or so suits it well. The steering is direct and the ride is very compliant, less firm than many EVs.
So, Jeep has created a small electric urban runabout with a dose of character all of its own. The Avenger is a convincing small SUV, but suffers from the same stumbling block that has recently stalled the sales of all EVs: price.
The non-electric Avenger, which is coming to the UK imminently and powered by a 1.2litre engine with a manual gearbox, is –starting at £23,600 – a full £11,000 cheaper than the cheapest electric version.
To those of us medics on a budget, particularly for a second car, that is significant. Still, I liked this electric version and the drivetrain suits its attributes. If you want to be green, give it some consideration.
Dr Tony Rimmer (right) is a former GP practising in Guildford, Surrey