correct balance? (Essay)

The time has come for globalization and the Jeep Avenger shows it perfectly. Indeed, here is a small SUV with an American name but with French technology, Italian design and Polish manufacturing. Taking the Peugeot 2008 platform, it was released until now in electric and simple thermal versions. About 43,000 buyers have been wooed by the Avenger since it was launched almost a year ago, which is quite a success, but here it expands its offering by adopting a hybrid engine. This was launched with the Peugeot 3008 last year, so it includes the Puretech 1.2 l 3-cylinder (reduced here to 100 hp) in its latest evolution with a transmission chain. Given the problems encountered with this block when it was time zoned, should we still be concerned? At Jeep, we assure you not because the modified 3 cylinder has been tested, according to what we were told, more than 2 million kilometers.

Unique lightning… in Stellantis

The best because in addition to its chain, it benefits from a number of improvements, including operation now complying with the Miller cycle, and is equipped with a variable geometry turbo. It increases its 100 hp (with a torque of 205 Nm), and a power unit of 21 kW or 28 hp (with 55 Nm). This is connected to a dual-clutch gearbox (6 speed) and can, on its own, move the small Jeep more than a few hundred meters as well as during parking maneuvers, while providing an additional punch during acceleration. To do this, this wattage attachment is powered by a 0.89 kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the driver’s seat via a 48 volt network. Thanks to the latter, a very powerful starter is located near the engine (and not in the box), which launches using a belt. Finally, the transformer is responsible for making the 48-volt circuit parallel to the 12-volt equipment in the rest of the vehicle.

This whole device, including the box, between the light and the full hybrid, weighs one hundred kilograms (total 1,280 kilograms), which does not prevent Jeep from announcing a very low consumption: 4 .9 l/100 km, for the production of CO2 of 111 g/km official. So no penalty! However, the announced performances seem sufficient, 0 to 100 km / h takes place in 10.4 s, the maximum speed is announced at 184 km / h.

Jeep brings its touch

It’s interesting, but with most of the features brought back from PSA and not Fiat, how does the Avenger stand up technically? Jeep has worked mainly on electronics, to give its real SUV skills off the pavement. Its compact SUV has additional driving programs: Sand, Mud and Snow. In addition, it benefits from natural support. We will be able to test this device precisely, especially since the Avenger benefits from an acceptable ground clearance of 20 cm, higher than that of the outgoing Peugeot 2008, running gears included (McPherson front, torsion axle rear) . The approach and departure angles of 19 and 33 ° respectively should also make it possible to deal with very steep terrain.

Still low gear

On board the Avenger e-Hybrid, there are no miracles. If the dashboard retains its attractive presentation, its materials remain basic, consisting only of hard plastic and a normal texture. Fortunately, the meeting seems to be intense. In front, there are several spacious storage spaces, under the central console, between the seats and in front of the passenger in the form of a large glove box.

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We also appreciate the small sliding shelf that holds things very well.

The central touchscreen seems to be responsive and clear, so it’s pleasant to use, while the display behind the steering wheel offers several nice and complete displays, as there is a calibration counter there. This phone reads perfectly: if it can inspire Peugeot!

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Back, not so much fun. We’re comfortably seated, but legroom remains modest, even if Jeep tells us it’s improved bench seat space compared to 2008.

In addition, the seat does not slide and the storage is limited to wallet pockets. As for the trunk, it has 380 liters by default (correct) and 1,275 liters when the backrests are folded (good value). Alas, we cannot find a flat floor…

Urban SUV but good on the road

In front, the seats, electric and massaging on our model, are very comfortable, and the driving position is pleasant, even if you would like to be able to bring the steering wheel towards you a little more. In addition, the array of keys that control the box is not the most intuitive thing. In the city, the Avenger seduces with its smooth performance, even if the 3-cylinder partially masks its inner harshness, but the hybrid works efficiently, as we often find ourselves in electric mode. In addition, the transition to heat takes place immediately, so that the different phases of operation change smoothly.

On the road, you can hear the sound of Puretech when accelerating, without it being prohibitive, and you have a good reserve of power, even if the unit does not like high revs. The box works regardless, which is a compliment, although it’s not fast when it’s down. You can let it do its thing or control it via paddles on the back of the steering wheel.

The road behavior is shown first of all by a certain firmness of the suspension, especially at the rear, which reduces the comfort without making it a defect. This has the advantage of reducing the movement of the body (pitch, roll), for the benefit of strength. The Avenger, which also has reasonably accurate and communicative steering (especially in Sport mode because it lacks feel in Eco and Normal), grips the ground well despite the slightly biting front axle, goes through turns quickly and has little lag. , that’s it. efficiency. It even provides some pleasure in active mountain driving, unlike the VW T-Cross. Its installation, carried out by means of a stable and continuous pedal, seems to be good. On our trip that included flat roads and mainly mountains as well as urban crossings, the consumption stood at 5.9 l/100 km: very economical.

On the highway, we appreciate the smooth operation of the driving aids, the adequate power of the engine and the unbiased direction it holds, but we hear a lot of wind noise. On the 75 km trip between Balocco airport and Milan, the Avenger was satisfied with 6.6 l/100 km: a low value, especially since our Avenger was running on winter tires, a must during this year in Italy.

Not 4×4 but close

Jeep had the good idea to set up an off-road course for us, or close to it. To be honest, I was very surprised by the Avenger’s ability (with simple winter tires) in these conditions. In muddy conditions, it climbs steep dirt slopes with no problem, accepts big slopes, and has amazing traction in the mud, with the hill assist working very effectively. In addition, it passes without friction on very steep paths, marked with deep ruts. Good ground clearance combined with strong suspension (very important here) gives excellent results. The avenger lives up to his flesh!