AVENGER ANGEL? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The Avenger e-Hybrid could be all the Avenger you really need. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 22

Jeep's Avenger arguably makes more sense in this combustion/electric e-Hybrid form. It could make more sense than the equivalent Renegade model too.

Backgroundword count: 125

For those in search of a compact Jeep model, the brand offers two very different self-charging Hybrid drivetrains. We weren't very convinced by the one in the Renegade, but the completely different powertrain in this only slightly smaller Avenger e-Hybrid makes more sense. It's the same 1.2-litre e-DCT6 auto set-up we're now seeing in a growing number of Stellantis Group models - Peugeot's rival 2008 Hybrid 136 is just one example. Jeep didn't originally intend to offer this petrol/electric unit in the UK (the Avenger was initially supposed to be EV-only for our market). But the stagnating EV segment made the brand think again and it now expects this e-Hybrid variant to account for a significant proportion of Avenger sales. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 237

Unlike Hybrid versions of Peugeot's 2008 and Vauxhall's Grandland, this Avenger e-Hybrid gets the Stellantis Group's e-DCT6 Hybrid engine not in 136hp form but in lesser 100hp guise. That's quite a bit less than the 154hp you'd get from the Avenger EV. Still, 62mph from rest is dispatched in 10.9s, coupled with virtually instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motor. This configuration optimises the performance of the combustion engine, particularly during restarts, mitigating the 'turbo lag' effect and ensuring a quick response when the accelerator pedal is pressed. In pure electric mode at start-up, the combustion engine is only engaged when additional power is needed. The key to this powertrain's performance lies in the synergy between the 1.2-litre three cylinder combustion engine, the 48-volt lithium-ion battery and the innovative 6-speed dual-clutch electric gearbox. This gearbox houses a 28hp electric motor, an inverter and the central transmission unit, which work together to optimise compactness and efficiency. The additional electric power enhances low-end torque and ensures a quiet and responsive start for the driver, with seamless and rapid transitions. Pure electric power is also useful for the e-creeping function, allowing a series of short forward movements without accelerator input, beneficial in situations like traffic jams (Jeep calls this 'e-queueing'). The vehicle can also be parked in 100% electric mode (in Jeep-speak 'e-parking'). This technology enables energy recovery during deceleration and through regenerative braking, eliminating the need for plug-in charging.

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