Test: Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid – a quarter electric is possible with this mild hybrid

The Jeep Avenger, isn’t that one of the many Stellantis clones?

Beats. The drivetrain of this Avenger is also found in the Fiat 600, Peugeot 2008, Opel Mokka and DS 3. This is a mild-hybrid 1.2 drivetrain, which works effortlessly in all the above models and produces 100 hp in the new Avenger. and delivers 205 Nm. The Avenger was already available with a completely electric drivetrain. In the middle of last year, Jeep quietly added a 100 hp 1.2 PureTech turbo petrol engine with manual gearbox to the range and it will soon also be available as a mild hybrid, where the 1.2 turbo engine is supported by a 48-volt system and an automatic gearbox.

What does the electrical support do?

Externally, you can only recognize the Jeep Avenger e-Hybrid by its logo on the tailgate, but the electric one also has that, although the ‘e’ is blue. The 21-kW electric motor is housed in the gearbox, so in theory you can drive it purely electrically. This is possible in the city for one kilometer at a speed of up to 30 km/h, but you must have a velvet right foot, otherwise the combustion engine will still switch on. One kilometer seems like nothing, but many mild hybrids cannot drive electrically at all.

While driving, the system also proves to be effective in other ways, because with a little effort you can quickly drive purely electrically 25 percent of the time. The average test consumption was somewhat disappointing at 1 in 14. These were of course test kilometers that were not only aimed at economical driving. Striking detail: remarkably, the paddles behind the steering wheel are not used to manually recover extra braking energy, but for manual shifting. You rarely do that in a sporty car, but it’s downright rare in an SUV-like one.

Does this mild hybrid still regenerate?

The Jeep automatically recovers braking energy when you release the gas. You cannot disable this feature, but you get used to it quickly. For safety reasons, the Avenger even automatically switches on the brake lights depending on the situation. We noticed that the braking effect of braking energy recovery decreases considerably as soon as the battery is fully charged. The 0.9-kWh battery is located under the driver’s seat. This protrudes slightly at the front. This may look a bit strange, but it hardly causes any inconvenience in daily practice. The big advantage is that this unorthodox arrangement does not take up any luggage space. The additional weight is also not too bad, because the 1,280 kilo hybrid weighs only 60 kilos more than the petrol model.

How economical is this Jeep?

Starting, starting and maneuvering at low speeds is done electrically. Partly as a result, the average WLTP consumption drops from 5.7 to 4.9 l/100 km compared to the 1.2 Turbo. CO2 emissions drop from 127 to 111 grams per kilometer. The electric motor also helps a lot while driving. Nevertheless, don’t expect miracles, because with an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 10.9 seconds, it is no sprint cannon.

What’s in it?

The interior is beautifully designed; the dashboard in particular looks great. In some areas we do see a typical Fiat finish, such as the sharp edges around the panoramic roof and the infectious headliner. Furthermore, materials have been used that are in line with other cars in this price segment. At the same time as the introduction of the Avenger e-Hybrid, Jeep is installing an electrically adjustable driver’s seat with massage function at an additional cost. This is limited to pumping up the lumbar support and is mainly comparable to the feeling you get when someone rhythmically pushes their knees against the back of your airplane seat.

How does the Avenger drive?

The Avenger’s front axle feels a bit bumpy on speed bumps and hard cross ridges, but otherwise it drives fine. For a car of this caliber, the hybrid exhibits very mature handling. We note a quiet engine, quiet tires and only some wind noise around the exterior mirrors from 120 km/h. The sport mode makes little difference to the comfortable handling. Despite its direct steering, it still does not invite sporty driving, but Jeeps are not made for that.

It’s a Jeep, so can it do something off-road?

It is certainly suitable for off-road driving. Because even though it is not a 4×4 but a 4xe: the front-wheel drive Avenger does quite well off the beaten track. Thanks to the ground clearance of 20 centimeters, but also thanks to the Select Terrain system, which, in addition to the three classic driving programs (Eco, Normal, Sport), has Sand, Mud and Snow modes. A so-called Hill Descent Control is also standard. There will reportedly be a 4xe variant with electrically driven rear wheels for the real adventurers.

How big is such an Avenger?

The Avenger looks quite big and cool in photos, but in fact it is barely bigger than a Renault Clio or a Peugeot 208. The Jeep Avenger is 4.08 meters long and that is, for example, 22 cm shorter than the Peugeot e-2008 and so on. 7 cm shorter than the Opel Mokka. The compact exterior dimensions of this sturdy little guy translate into a moderate interior space in the back, but make the Jeep ideal for city traffic. If you have to choose from one of the many hybrid Stellantis clones, the Jeep Avenger is the most appealing thanks to its sturdy appearance.