HILL-MAN AVENGER (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Jeep's Avenger gets rugged in this top 4xe form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 32

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.

Backgroundword count: 164

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.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 232

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.

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