The best car of 2024?

Originally, no, it was not planned that the Jeep Avenger, the Car of the Year 2023, would be released in our market with anything other than electric motors. Elsewhere, in Spain or Italy in particular, countries that don’t really like zero-emission cars, it was. However, against all expectations, the French subsidiary of the American manufacturer ended up selling the hot Avenger with a 100 hp 3-cylinder 1.2 PureTech and, and this is the latest, a “hybrid” variant (we will return to the technology used later in this article) of equal strength. Finally, the 4xe version, also a hybrid but with all-wheel drive and offering less power (details to be shared later), will complete the lineup.

The wide choice of engines certainly aimed to compensate for the sluggish start in our region. In fact, it went on sale in June 2023, but we had to wait until the beginning of the year to see it finally enter the 100 best-selling cars in France (it came 72nd in the first two months of the year), with its technical cousin the Fiat 600, although it was launched later , is already doing better (it’s 66th) and this one, with only electric availability, unlike Jeep. In summary, it could do better for Car of the Year (which shows that success with the prestigious trophy is not automatic). Does the new hybrid variant have what it takes to help appeal to a wider audience? We went to check it out on Italian roads.

A great little hybrid, a perfect little hybrid

The system used by this Avenger e-Hybrid is not completely new to us. Logically, this is what was launched with the second generation Peugeot 3008 last summer. The only difference is the lower power of the 3-cylinder PureTech gasoline, 100 hp and not 136 hp. Otherwise, it is still associated with a 21 kW electric motor connected to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a 48 V alternator-starter and a small 0.9 kWh battery placed under the driver’s seat.

Simple and light technology bring the weight to a reasonable 1,280 kg, 60 kg more than the hot model of the same power. Thanks to this, the Avenger can work on its electric motor alone. Not as long or as often as the Toyota Yaris Cross or Renault Captur E-Tech, its two main competitors, but enough to improve its track record. So much for theory. And in practice, what does this look like for this Avenger?

It varies enough

Without the optional yellow accents, the Avenger’s cabin isn’t much fun.Photo Credit – Jeep

Get in touch. Logically, the car starts in complete silence. We start moving forward, without noise. Around 10 km / h, the 3 cylinder comes out of its torpor. Yes, you’ll need a very light foot so you don’t wake up the hot engine.

In the city fortunately, there is no problem. You get your bearings quickly behind the wheel of this Avenger e-Hybrid, thanks to the simple ergonomics. Despite the simplicity of the hybrid which means that you can handle it as quickly as if it were a “simple” model of heat and automatic transmission, the phases in electric mode are finally many. When slowing down, approaching a traffic light or roundabout, the engine shuts off automatically and gently. Too bad, we would have liked to have been able to adjust the regenerative braking, which would have possibly further reduced the unevenness of the experience (we’ll come back to this). It’s even more unfortunate since it’s possible for an electric Avenger anyway.

In narrow streets, we also appreciate the smoothness of the steering, more precise, less light in the steering than that of its technical cousin Fiat 600, and having enough stability as the speed increases. With its compact size (4.08 m long, as a reminder, slightly shorter than the Renault Clio), the Avenger is ideal in urban environments. Finally, the box convinces them with its gentleness and the absence of jerks.

Once the speed increases, this is unfortunately a little true. In “Eco” mode, the transmission quite logically seeks to shift into higher gear as quickly as possible in favor of lower revs, making the drive less fluid. In “Sport” mode, it’s the opposite, the engine revs up very quickly and becomes very noisy, while it’s reasonable all the time. In short, the “Sport” mode does not have the same meaning as the “Eco” mode, especially since the power of the middle mode is sufficient. Even if it doesn’t break times, this Avenger doesn’t drag much. It is only true with 4 people and a loaded trunk (experience) that the hybrid unit will struggle a little, but this is not a situation that should happen every day.

Overall, this Avenger is appreciated for adopting a smooth ride. Very clearly oriented towards comfort, rather than pleasantness in most cases, two faults disturb the occupants’ peace of mind. One, the air noise is heard from 120 km / h, the fault of its volumetric aerodynamics. Second, the 18” ride on our test model can fill the wheel arches perfectly, but your lower back will curse when you’re going on rough roads. Avoid the high-end General Assembly version of our test model and go for the two lower finishes at 16″ and 17″, even if it means adding a few options if you find them a little open (which they really aren’t).

A word on usage, an important thing for such an engine. Despite the small capacity tank (44 liters), it will not be necessary to refuel often. By practicing eco driving, it is quite possible to get close to the 4.9 l/100 km declared by the manufacturer. And in normal combination driving, sometimes unhesitatingly pushing it to its full potential, it was difficult for us to exceed an average of 6.5 l/100 km. With this Avenger e-Hybrid, you can travel between 700 and 800 km on a full tank depending on your driving style. Yaris Cross and Captur E-Tech, with their more advanced technology, perform better but the difference is not obvious.

Good price point

The sunroof is visible. This is actually an option … which we cannot recommend as the interior is very difficult.Credit Image – Avenger

However, they are also more expensive. For the Captur, longer (4.22 m compared to 4.08 m for the Avenger) and therefore having better family conditions, it is not surprising that there is a difference of almost €4,000. Avenger is thin, under the season, everything is explained. And is the roughly €2,000 that separates it from the Yaris Cross explained by better performance on the part of the Japanese model? For now, you don’t have to. It is certainly more economical (5.4 liters on average according to what we found during its test), it is not more efficient (0 to 100 km / h in 11.2 s, 10.4 s for the ‘Avenger) despite the great power (116). hp for the Yaris Cross). It is not more spacious despite its large footprint (4.18 m). Despite the hard plastic, the Avenger looks better and is more stable. In short, the latter shows a good price/performance ratio. And, for a few hundred euros saved, you can treat yourself to a few options such as a sunroof that will make the interior a little lower or the Leather Pack Plus including an electric driver’s seat with massage, a rare option in the category.

Failing to release the masses so far, we think that this hybrid variant – and its warm counterpart at the same time (which we would like to try) – should allow the brand to break new sales records in France and Europe from 2024.

We like

• Good price/service ratio
• Immediate care
• Adequate performance
• Trunk slightly larger than electric (+25 liters)

We like a little

• There is no possibility to adjust the regenerative braking
• 18″ rims to avoid
• Wind noise from 120 km / h
• Sad atmosphere

Acheter

• Tested version: €30,800
• From €26,300
• Manufacturer’s average consumption/time tested (l/100 km): 4.9-5/6.5
• CO2 (g/km)/malus 2024 : 111-114 / 0
• Financial power: 5 HP
• Country of manufacture: Poland

Range provided

• 100 hp petrol, from €24,300 to €28,800
• Electric 156 hp, from €38,000 to €42,500

Driving

• Engine: three-cylinder turbo, Miller cycle, variable geometry turbo
• Transmission: front wheels, 6-speed robot
• Maximum power (hp per rpm): 100 to 5,500
• Maximum torque (Nm at rpm): 205 to 1,750
• Pods (kg) : 1 288
• Long.xlarge.xhaut. (m) : 4,08×1,78×1,53
• Wheelbase (m): 2.56
• Tank (l): 44
• Maximum speed (km/h) : 184
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): 10.4
• Standard tires: 215/55 R18
• Test tires: 215/55 R18

Vivre

• Trunk (l): 380
• Width of front/back elbows (cm): nc
• Rear leg room (cm): n/a

Recommended options

• Electric glass sunroof: €1,000
• Winter package (heated front seats, windscreen, front and rear floor mats): €400
• Leather Pack Plus (with electric driver’s seat and massage): €1,300 or €1,600 depending on version

Main competitors

• Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid 116 2WD, from €28,200
• Renault Captur E-Tech full hybrid 145, from €30,000

Summing up

The smallest Jeep adds a stringer to its bow, hybrid variant that makes it easier to use and more accessible. It is enough to allow him to achieve greater success.

Editor