- That’s one small Jeep…
- Looks cool – any specs for it yet?
- Does Jeep think it’ll work?
- When can I buy the new Jeep Avenger?
- First all-electric Jeep, and the smallest
- On sale next year as Jeep embraces electrification
- Designed and built in Europe
This is the Avenger, a new all-electric SUV designed to get more young people, especially females, to embrace a brand traditionally associated with macho outdoor types. Following the introduction of hybrids to the Jeep range, this is the first BEV – soon to be followed by plenty more. Jeep will have four electric models on sale in Europe by 2025, and will be all-electric in Europe by 2030.
It shares some underpinnings with Stellantis stablemates such as the Peugeot 2008, but the e-CMP2 platform has been heavily modified, and the bodywork and cabin are entirely new. An Alfa Romeo spin-off is expected to follow, built at the same factory in Tychy, Poland, where the Fiat 500 is also produced, along with the Abarth 500 and Lancia Ypsilon.
That’s one small Jeep…
Head of global design Ralph Gilles said: ‘When I first started here, 31 years ago, we only had three name plates. A niche brand, not thinking in a global way. At Stellantis, the pace of change is incredible. Jeep still has a small-town dynamic, with this incredible company behind us.’
His brief from Meunier? ‘I want a fun, boxy Jeep that’s all electric.’
In turn, Gilles briefed Daniele Calonaci, European design chief: ‘Even without a badge, you need to know it’s a Jeep.’
It was designed in Italy – the first Jeep to be designed outside the US, although studios around the world have had design input in the past. And it doesn’t just look like a Jeep – it has the traditional off-road ability too, despite being front-wheel drive. It comes with hill descent control and six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow. The ground clearance is 200mm or more, depending on spec, with a 20º breakover angle, 20º approach angle and 32º departure angle. Most won’t be used off-road, but that capabiltiy and ruggedness will make the Avenger well suited to battling kerbs, speed bumps and tricky multi-storey ramps.
The shoulder line is from the company’s cornerstone product, the Willy’s Jeep of 1941, as are the trapezoidal wheelarches. The floating C-pillar is from the Compass and Grand Cherokee. The grille has the family’s seven-slot look, but is in fact closed (with cooling air coming in under the front bumper).
Inside, there’s a strong horizontal line across the front and plenty of oddment stowage. In the centre of the dash is a 10.25-inch screen, and in front of the driver an instrument screen of 7.0 or 10.25 inches, depending on spec. It runs Android Auto, with natural voice activation and Level 2 driving assistance.
There’s a choice of seven body colours, and a variety of dealer-fit body graphics for the roof, bonnet and grille. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.
Jeep CEO Christian Meunier says the Avenger is true to the company’s core pillars of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion. ‘It’s not marketing bullshit. Whenever we have a conversation about product, it has to be robust, and we like to convey that with the design of the product. There’s no fake stuff on a Jeep.’
Meunier acknowledges that Jeep is under-performing in much of Europe. Italy is its biggest market by some way, with 10 per cent SUV market share, compared to one or two per cent in most other countries. ‘It’s disappointing. Why are we so low? There have been issues with offering the wrong powertrains [lacking diesels when they were in demand, then being slow with hybrids]. WIth the Renegade 4xe we are starting to get momentum. The vehicles are getting more appropriate for Europe, for daily use and a lifestyle machine for the weekend.’ He predicts it will be Jeep’s best seller in Europe by 2024.
Looks cool – any specs for it yet?
At 4084mm, with short front and rear overhangs, the Avenger is the smallest Jeep, slotting into the range under the Renegade. Its boot space is 380 litres and it weighs 1541kg, of which 340kg is the electric powertrain.
The first version has a single electric motor, driving the front wheels. The battery – its 17 modules divided between under the front seats and under the rear seats, leaving room for the rear passengers’ feet – has 51kWh net, with a power output of 154bhp and 192lb ft of torque. Expect a range of almost 250 on the WLTP cycle, or 340 in city use. Three minutes on a fast charger can add 18 miles of range, or 24 minutes can get the battery from 20 to 80 per cent. Energy efficiency is rated at 5.0 miles per kWh.
Although the Avenger will initially be BEV only, a couple of months later a combustion version will be offered in Italy and Spain, which lag behind on electrification, with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine.
Does Jeep think it’ll work?
Globally, Jeep has enjoyed a four-fold sales increase since the start of the decade – up from 400,000 cars a year then to 1.2-1.5 milllion now.
The success of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee hybrids in the US shows Jeep buyers are happy with electrification; the new Grand Cherokee will arrive in the UK next year, after delays caused by supply chain issues. ‘It’s a big opportunity. A 4xe Jeep is a better Jeep.’
The line-up will also include a Range Rover Sport rival based on the recently revealed Wagoneer S concept, and a rugged Wrangler-style EV called the Recon. The fourth electric Jeep has not yet been revealed.
When can I buy the new Jeep Avenger?
UK order books open in early 2023. Expect pricing to start at close to £40k.
Keyword: Meet the electric Jeep Avenger: the smallest Jeep yet