The new hybrid from Jeep has Italian roots: We have test driven

The new hybrid from Jeep has Italian roots We have

Speeding will cost you thousands of dollars – even without a fine. That the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is a mild hybrid means that it has an electric motor that supports the gasoline engine, but which cannot propel the car at its own speed over any significant distances. The point is improved efficiency, and thus fuel economy.

Avenger, unlike traditional Jeep models, is not developed in the USA for the American market, but in Italy with European preferences as the focus.

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A new type of Jeep

Many probably associate the Jeep brand with capable, four-wheel-drive off-road vehicles with large engines, which in recent years have become increasingly better and more comfortable as everyday cars.

Avenger is a new type of Jeep – Photo: Jeep

However, the Avenger e-Hybrid has no four-wheel drive or diff lock, but makes do with a frugal little petrol engine and front-wheel drive. The car should still offer accessibility in the terrain thanks to modern driver assistance systems.

The idea is that the model will attract a new target group for Jeep, but the question is whether the car can still maintain Jeep’s core values.

A compact bundle of muscle

The first impression that the Jeep Avenger gives is that it is both tough and well proportioned.

When you look at the dimensions, however, you realize that appearances are deceiving. In fact, the car is really compact, and both shorter and narrower than, for example, the Skoda Fabia.

In terms of design, however, the car exudes competence, with the impression of a short bodybuilder.

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Compact interior

Even the interior, with its retro-modern design, appears larger than it really is. Tall drivers can fit behind the wheel without a problem, but with the driver’s seat pushed back, legroom in the back is next to non-existent.

The headroom is also marginal, with a shorter driver the back seat is good for shorter trips. However, the trunk impresses with a volume of 380 liters, and it should be noted that there is more space in the hybrid version of the Avenger than in the pure electric car.

The interior has a retro-modern design – Photo: Jeep

In terms of quality, the interior offers rather hard and plastic materials which feel a bit cheap, but they have not skimped on important details such as the chairs.

The instrument cluster is fully digital in all but the cheapest version of the car, and above the center console we find a responsive and high-resolution MMI system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrated.

The design is functional with plenty of physical buttons for important functions such as the climate control, as well as plenty of storage space.

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A pleasant driving experience

Once out on the Italian roads, the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid impresses.

Out on the road, the new Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is very easy to drive, and the square shape means that you always have an eye on where the car is positioned on the road. The well-proportioned bonnet also gives, in combination with a confidence-inspiring chassis, a certain big car feeling.

Despite the two-wheel drive, the car can handle tougher terrain – Photo: Jeep

Compared to most mild hybrids, the Avenger is unusually willing to run on pure electric power, and rather resembles a traditional full hybrid. The electric drive also works well together with the three-cylinder internal combustion engine of 100 horsepower.

The driveline feels well-calibrated and responsive. The torque of the electric drive and the six-speed dual clutch box make city driving more relaxed, and the transition between electric and hybrid drive is seamless.

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A competent SUV

The Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid is not some off-road monster, but rather a particularly competent urban SUV.

The high ground clearance must not be used very frequently in the wilderness, but rather over potholes and edges in city traffic. The car is small, with limited interior space as a result, but both the powertrain and driving characteristics are convincing.

Avenger is a competent city jeep – Photo: Jeep

In terms of price, it is also well located. The Avenger e-Hybrid has a basic price of SEK 319,900, which is SEK 150,000 cheaper than the fully electric version.

The model does not necessarily offer classic Jeep spirit, but definitely has the potential to attract new customers to Jeep.

First impressions of the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid: 3.5/5

Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid (2024)
Engine: 1-liter I4, gasoline, electric motor, 100 horsepower, 205 newton meters
Transmission: 6-speed double clutch box, front wheel drive
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 10.4 seconds
Top speed: 184 km/h
Weight: 1,280 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4084/1776/1536 mm
Award: From SEK 319,900

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