Jeep Avenger ICE | Review

The Jeep Avenger is a chunky, compact SUV that has recently expanded its lineup to include petrol variants, making it more accessible to those who aren’t ready to go all electric. 

Special mention : Well thought out functions on the dash using a good mix of buttons. Safety systems don’t interfere with driving. High set seating position gives very good visibility. Light weight and manual gear shift add to the driving feel. Comfortable and soaks up bumps.

Needs work : Keyless entry proximity lock/unlock triggers easily when walking near or around the car. Rear passenger space could do with more knee room. Use of coarse plastics around the cabin could be improved, especially on the higher up touch points. Can be a bit too soft in the corners.

99 HPPetrol / Manual
0-100 km/h in 10.6 secondsRoad Tax €200
Price: from €31,495Boot Space 355 / 1,277 litres

Petrol Power

The Jeep Avenger is now available with a turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder PureTech petrol engine. This engine, already found in related Stellantis products like the Peugeot 2008 and Opel Mokka, produces 99 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. The petrol engine with manual gear shift involves the driver compared to the near-silent electric version. 

The trilly 3 cylinder engine note brims around the cabin, adding to the overall appeal for anyone looking at something different than a standard auto city car, for someone who wants to be a bit more involved, although the manual stick is a little on the loose side.

Affordability and Accessibility

The addition of petrol variants has significantly lowered the starting price of the Jeep Avenger. It now begins at €31,495, which is cheaper than the most basic all-electric version. This pricing puts the petrol Avenger in direct competition with other small SUVs like the Nissan Juke, Skoda Kamiq, and the recently facelifted Ford Puma. Despite it being a front wheel drive car, the extra space has gone into the boost as the rear doors here have a narrow opening, making access for larger adults trickier.

This petrol model comes with a decent kit list, including 18-inch rims, dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an eight-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a powered tailgate, and blind-spot monitoring.

Interior and Comfort

While the Jeep Avenger retains the old school Jeep brand family face, it has limited rear-cabin space and an interior dominated by hard plastics. However, the affordability and tech features make it an attractive proposition for those seeking a stylish and capable small SUV that makes life easy and is simple to use. This petrol-powered Jeep Avenger strikes a balance between affordability, practicality and brand appeal.

The Jeep Avenger is one of Stellantis’ newest small SUVs and a significant departure for Jeep into the compact crossover segment, featuring the iconic brand’s smallest model to date. Launched in 2022 the Jeep Avenger now boasts both petrol and electric variations to cater to fans of the brand.

What is it that makes the Avenger a likeable and characterful addition to the growing market of compact SUVs?

Exploring the Jeep Avenger’s interior reveals a blend of comfort, practicality, and modern technology that is simple and easy to use. The Jeep Avenger’s square, boxy shape makes good use of the interior space, providing ample headroom for both front and rear passengers, even managing a couple of adults over six feet tall comfortably. Despite its spacious feel, rear legroom is tight, especially if the front seats are occupied by taller individuals. However, the squishy backs of the front seats offer some relief for rear passengers by preventing discomfort against hard surfaces.

The Avenger has around 34 litres of storage space in the front cabin, with a deep cubby under the armrest and a wireless phone charger in top-spec models. However, the thin front door bins and the absence of rear door bins, alongside only one USB-C port in the back, might limit storage and charging options for passengers.

The interior boasts a 10.25″ DAB Radio & Infotainment System, a 7″ TFT Display, and a 6 Speaker Audio System, enhancing the entertainment experience. While you get heated & power door mirrors, you don’t get heated seats. There are all power windows with express up & down function, air con with easy access buttons for control. The safety and convenience features include Electronic Park Brake with Auto Hold, Hill Descent Control, and Vulnerable Road User Recognition.

Practicality and Boot Space

The Jeep Avenger’s boot space offers a generous 380 litres, which is ample for daily commutes and moderate for weekend getaways. When the need for more space arises, folding down the rear seats expands the area to a substantial 1,277 litres accommodating larger items and adventure gear. The load bay benefits from a one-metre-wide opening and a square shape, enhancing the ease of loading and unloading bulky items.

Additionally, the Avenger is equipped with three sets of ISOFIX mounting points, ensuring child seats can be installed securely. One set is located on the front passenger seat, and two on the rear seats’ outer positions, providing flexibility for family needs. However, as mentioned earlier, the rear door openings are small, which does pose challenges when fitting a child seat compared to rivals. For a relatively small Compact SUV, the Jeep Avenger boasts a ground clearance of 200mm. Combined with driving modes for Mud, Sand, and Snow, it hints at the vehicle’s off-road capability, adding another layer to its practicality for adventure enthusiasts.

Pricing, Efficiency, and Value

The 1.2 litre petrol model has affordability and efficiency in mind, it starts from €31,495. Fuel efficiency is a highlight, with the petrol model achieving up to 4.3 L/100 km coupled with CO2 emissions of 126g/km which will vary if you tend to keep that little 3 cylinder engine in the higher rev range for a little extra poke. The competition comes in the form of rivals like the Ford Puma, Nissan Juke, and Renault Captur. Comparing the petrol and electric variants, the electric Jeep Avenger offers a range of up to 400kms on a single charge. In contrast, the petrol version starts at a more accessible price point of €31,495.

In essence, the Jeep Avenger 1.2 litre petrol model presents a balanced offering of affordability, efficiency, and practicality, making it an attractive choice for those valuing a blend of comfort and ease of use.

Performance and Driving Experience

Petrol variants offer a 0-100km/h time of 10.6 seconds from the 99bhp engine. Handling is tidy for a compact crossover, with a steering system that’s better judged in the Avenger compared to other e-CMP2-based cars, offering less assistance in Normal mode and more feedback in Sport mode.

For urban environments, the Avengers light steering pays off, the soft suspension absorbs bumps well but can be a little wobbly on rougher terrain and it has excellent visibility all round which makes it ideal for city driving. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Avenger doesn’t shy away from off-road challenges, equipped with drive modes for Mud, Sand, Snow, and a hill descent system, supported by 200mm of ground clearance. Practicality is enhanced with a high-res reversing camera for easy parking, something that not all manufacturers provide but is a worthwhile addition.

Conclusion

The Jeep Avenger 1.2 Litre Petrol interior is designed for comfort and practicality with reasonable boot space for a car of its size, the Avenger is an option for both everyday commuters and occasional weekend adventure seekers. The emphasis is on efficiency, with fuel economy, alongside a competitive price range, appealing to drivers looking for a blend of easy to use technology with plenty of manual buttons and a lightness to it that makes it a doddle to drive. It’s not overly complicated and boils everything down to the most basic functions you need in a car.

The driving experience offered by the Avenger is suited to urban environments and the occasional weekend adventure, it’s a versatile option for a wide array of consumers who won’t demand much from their vehicle but need an adaptable car that’s easy to live with. In summary, the Jeep Avenger’s interior combines practical design with modern technology, offering a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. Despite some limitations in rear space and some options, its overall interior package is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of a regular city commuter and free-time adventurer.