Jeep opens pre-order books for all-electric Avenger

The Jeep Avenger is Jeep’s first all-electric model, and from the specs released so far appears it will be a highly appealing package to those needing off-road abilities in excess of the general road-going car.

Announced at the Paris auto show last October, Jeep in the UK is now taking pre-orders of the
right-hand drive ‘first edition’ model of the Avenger. (Pre-order had already opened on December
1st for the left-hand drive markets of Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Poland).

The Avenger is built on the same platform as the Peugeot 2008, DS 3 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa/Mokka electric. (Jeep, Peugeot, Opel, Vauxhall and DS all being part of the 14 brand Stellantis group).

As the UK is a right-hand drive market, having the Avenger being available to order means that Jeep
will have a right-hand drive model available to bring to Australia, should Jeep decide to do so.

Currently, the Avenger is front-wheel drive only (although a four-wheel drive version is in the
pipeline). As a front-wheel drive, the Avenger is not an EV equivalent to the full bush-bashing
potential of a 70 series Toyota Landcruiser or Nissan Patrol (buyers wanting this functionality will
need to wait until we see the Rivian R1T or perhaps the Ford F150 Lightning arrive here).

Offering excellent approach and departure angles through the placement of it wheels further out to the corners and 200mm of ground clearance, the Avenger does fill in yet another ICE replacement niche: that of the smaller, weekend-away wagon that can handle a rough track drive to a campsite, mountain bike or bushwalking area.

The Avenger ‘first edition’ is offered in three colours (Sun, Graphite and Volcano – effectively gold,
grey and black) with a starting price of £36,500 ($A65,000), with the full Avenger range to be
released for European orders in June this year.

Current specification of the Avenger include a hill descent control function as well as their new
‘Selec-Terrain’ system. The Selec-Terrain system includes six modes: “Normal” for everyday driving;
“Eco” to enhance range; “Sport” for more driving fun; “Snow” for maximum traction on icy roads or
tracks; “Mud” to optimise mud performance and to enhance grip; and “Sand” to limit the risk of
becoming stuck in sandy soil.

Internally, the Avenger offers a 260mm (10.25 inch) HD touchscreen Infotainment system, DAB,
voice recognition, Apple Carplay/Android Auto and wireless smartphone charging. Driving functions
include 360° parking sensors and 180° rear camera, level two autonomous drive functions (adaptive
cruise control with lane centreing and traffic jam assist) plus keyless entry & go.

As yet though, no details on a tow rating or whether it will arrive with vehicle to load functionality
have been released. To be a proper out of the way camping vehicle, both will be needed to make it a
viable contender for this market.

As for the Australian market – the Avenger is described as being under ‘serious consideration’, but
no formal announcement one way or the other has been made yet.