Why are you wearing mirrored aviator sunglasses? And staring into the distance?
Because… I’m about to deliver… Concentrated Freedom!
You’re delivering what?
Concentrated Freedom. Honestly, I am.
How are you going to do that?
I’m going to do it with this, the new Jeep Avenger. It says it right here in the press notes that it delivers, and I quote, Concentrated Freedom. So that’s what I’m doing.
Sounds like a Fox News segment…
It does a bit, doesn’t it? Well, don’t worry — the actual Avenger is a lot more sensible, and a lot more European, than it seems.
European? I though Jeep was all-American?
Well, it was, once. And that’s certainly still its image, but through a convoluted series of mergers and takeovers, Jeep is now part of the same Stellantis Group that also includes Peugeot, Fiat, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, Opel, DS, Lancia, Abarth, Chrysler, Dodge, and Maserati.
That’s… a lot of brands.
Yes, and a lot of platform-sharing. This new Avenger might look like a Jeep up top, but underneath it’s sharing a platform with the Peugeot e-2008, the Opel Mokka-e, and the DS 3. It’s also been designed in Italy and will be built in an old Fiat factory in Poland. And it won’t even be sold in America, at least for now.
Is it fully-electric?
Yes — although some markets will get a petrol-engined version, for us the Avenger is electric-only and it’s Jeep’s first battery-only model. It’s the start of a journey (a journey of freedom…) which will see Jeep go electric-only in Europe by 2030, with some cool new models such as the 600hp, 700km range Wagoneer-S in 2025, and the all-electric Recon, which you can take the doors and roof off if it’s sunny.
Can you take the doors off the Avenger?
Not without voiding the warranty. In spite of the chunky styling (which is really rather nice) and the lofty 200mm ground clearance, this Jeep is really a hatchback wearing a Jeep-branded false nose, moustache and glasses. Underneath, it’s actually pretty closely related to the Opel Corsa, but it does get a new 54kWh battery and a 156hp electric motor, driving the front wheels.
How far can it go?
Jeep claims that it’ll do 400km on one charge, and that motor is a new, highly-efficient design plus you get a standard heat-pump heating system which helps when the weather’s chilly. It was nice and warm when we got to drive it in Spain, but even with lots of hilly mountain routes and the air-conditioning going, it looked like it would pretty much hit its claimed range. We’ll have to wait and see what it’s like on a cold, wet day in Buttevant…
Does it go off-road?
Sort of. I’ve mentioned the ground clearance, and you get driving modes with settings for mud, snow, ice, and sand but with front-wheel drive only, and pretty short suspension travel, there’s a limit to what you can do. That said, it’s more capable than a basic hatchback, but really it’s better kept on tarmac, where it feels smooth and eager to drive, and it’s actually reasonably good fun.
What about the inside?
As standard, you get a nice big 10.25-inch touchscreen and — saints of Jeep be praised — proper physical air conditioning controls. There’s lots of storage space, including a Land Rover Defender-style open shelf that runs almost all the way across the dash, but while the Avenger feels good and looks good up front (aside from a few too-cheap plastics) it’s pretty cramped in the back, and the 380-litre boot isn’t the biggest.
Is there anything properly Jeep-y about it?
Oh sure. There’s the ride height. There’s the driving modes. There are nice touches like the way the headlamps and foglights are sunk into the bodywork so that they’re less lightly to get damaged by rocks or tree-stumps (or, more realistically, parking dings at Dunnes). It’s actually quite a charming car, one that gently works its way into your affections. Like a cute dog, really.
How much?
Ah, we don’t know yet and that will be a crucial question. It looks like the ballpark is between €38,000 and €40,000 but with Tesla chopping prices every five minutes and Chinese brands like BYD and MG cut-throating their costs, Jeep is going to have to be sharp with its numbers to keep the Avenger competitive. We’ll find out closer to the Irish on-sale date of June.
And the freedom?
I’ll keep concentrating on that. I’m sure it will arrive eventually.
Key Facts
How much? Don’t know yet, but probably going to start around €38,000
How fast? 0-100km/h in 9.0secs
How far? Official figure is 400km on one charge, based on using electricity at 15.4kWh/100km
What do you get? Basic versions should get a 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital instrument panel, air conditioning, heated door mirrors, electric parking brake with auto hold, keyless go, cruise control, lane keep assistance and LED headlights
How big? The 380-litre boot is on the small side, by Jeep standards, but there’s lots of storage space up front in the cabin. Rear seat passengers will need to be short in the leg department though, and the roof is quite low which makes it feel even smaller.
Plus: Looks great, nice to drive, brand recognition
Minus: Cramped in the back, price will need to be sharp
Equals: Jeep’s first all-electric foray is a good one
