Seven day test: Jeep Avenger Summit - too much fun or just too much?

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The Jeep Avenger marks the model’s inaugural foray into the electrical car phase, and it additionally represents Australia’s first absolutely electrical entry within the "Mild SUV" class.

“Mild SUV” refers to a compact measurement, and the Avenger is designed primarily for city environments. Quickly, it’s going to face competitors from Hyundai’s Inster on this small EV market, doubtless at a lower cost level.

Nonetheless, the Avenger is not budget-friendly. The entry-level Longitude mannequin begins at $49,990, adopted by the Restricted at $54,990, with the top-tier Summit priced at $60,990, all excluding on-road prices.

After per week’s take a look at with the Avenger Summit as a metropolis car and a household automotive throughout the faculty holidays, the query stays: does it benefit its value?

Day 1: A Sq. and Trendy Begin

The Avenger has acquired optimistic remarks from my household, with my daughter exclaiming “Cute!” upon seeing its brilliant pink, boxy design complemented by the long-lasting blacked-out seven-slot Jeep grille and darkish headlights.

Whereas I respect the appeal, I want a Jeep that embodies the rugged spirit—full with diff locks and a sturdy design aimed for off-road adventures. My spouse counters with feedback about outdated masculinity, as we try to suit our household of 4, together with our baggage, into this petite SUV.

Surprisingly, we handle, although the boot is considerably restricted. It is pretty spacious for a light-weight SUV, but the storage space feels cramped as a result of charging cable and the absence of a frunk. Notably, there’s additionally no spare wheel.

Entering into the Avenger’s inside, one may mistakenly assume they’re inside a Peugeot. That is anticipated, because the car shares its platform with the Peugeot e-2008, leading to a cabin design harking back to the French model reasonably than a typical Jeep really feel.

Having 437km of vary depicted on the motive force show, I merge into Brisbane’s visitors. The drive is surprisingly tranquil, that includes a quiet cabin, first rate acceleration from the electrical motor, and cozy suspension, though occasional bumps make their presence identified.

One may by no means guess this nimble EV shares its lineage with the strong, fuel-thirsty Wrangler.

Day 2: Important Observations

After a day’s expertise, I discover myself nitpicking. The Avenger Summit, being the flagship model, prices $66,900 for my drive-away value in Queensland—a value level that raises expectations.

Compared, I might be navigating via visitors in a virtually new Jeep Gladiator Evening Eagle for the same value. Whereas it would seem to be evaluating apples to oranges, that value calls for a sure stage of refinement.

Disappointments come up when noticing the arduous surfaces on the dashboard and doorways, insufficient cupholder house, and a scarcity of a satisfying door closure. Moreover, whereas the electrical motor presents sufficient efficiency, it falls in need of excelling below such a value bracket. Although it accelerates easily, a 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds feels sluggish at the moment, particularly when a bigger Volvo EX30 can obtain it in 5.3 seconds at a lower cost.

Regardless of this, the Avenger showcases good effectivity, with our trip yielding a powerful financial system of 14.9kWh/100km—higher than the acknowledged 15.8kWh, even with the air-con in full swing on a sizzling day.

I respect many features of the Avenger, notably the ten.25-inch infotainment system geared up with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a transparent reversing digicam that includes a hen’s-eye view.

Additional highlights embrace the digital driver show, wi-fi telephone charging, hands-free tailgate, a small sunroof, and leather-accented seating. The heated entrance seats include an odd restriction—exceeding a sure exterior temperature makes them inoperable. For these with aching backs, on-demand warmth is welcome even in gentle climate.

To my shock, I uncover the motive force’s seat has a therapeutic massage perform, tucked away within the touchscreen menus—actually a function that will profit from a devoted button for simpler entry.

Day 3: Dealing with Dynamics

Usually, EVs are typically cumbersome and unresponsive; nevertheless, the Avenger defies this expectation. It weighs in at solely 1520kg, similar to conventional small SUVs. Steering feels applicable when in Sport mode, providing good dealing with, although brake suggestions is missing—indifferent initially, then participating too aggressively, a standard challenge amongst many EVs.

The gear choice is made by way of a panel on the dashboard’s base, which is space-efficient however considerably unfamiliar at first. The presence of a ‘B’ button for enhanced regenerative braking is famous, though extra ranges of regen can be preferable. The driving force help applied sciences, like lane-keeping and visitors signal recognition, perform easily with out overbearing alerts.

Day 4: Household Feasibility

On a sizzling 35C day in Brisbane, my youngsters shortly observe the rear seat limitations. Whereas it’s logically compact given its classification, it lacks the house obligatory for older children. The absence of rear air vents makes the trip uncomfortable in hotter circumstances.

Switching locations with my son highlights the subpar rear lodging: arduous plastic doorways lack cupholders, there isn’t any central armrest, the headrests are uncomfortable, and just one USB-C port is accessible to share.

Furthermore, a three-star ANCAP ranking raises issues about its suitability as a household car, particularly in comparison with the five-star Volvo EX30.

Day 5: Dwelling Charging Expertise

Charging effectivity has been praiseworthy, displaying an power consumption of 14.5kWh/100km—effectively under the producer’s claims, even after a 150km freeway journey. The included Mode 3 cable permits charging at 11kW, with an entire cost in about 5.5 hours.

Nonetheless, potential patrons ought to put money into a wall field, as Jeep doesn’t present a conveyable charger. My use of a typical socket for charging at house yields a sluggish fee of 12km added per hour, requiring an in a single day cost to cowl day by day driving wants.

On the plus aspect, the charging course of was easy, with the automotive instantly accepting the cost and disengaging the cable with out points.

Disappointingly, there’s no Automobile-to-Load perform for exterior energy provide.

Day 6: Off-Roading Potential

Jeep’s off-road heritage is acknowledged with the Avenger, which comes with a six-mode Selec-Terrain system for various circumstances. Much like any small SUV, it has a restrict, and its front-wheel-drive setup presents challenges for vital off-road excursions.

Whereas I carried out a minor off-road take a look at on a dust observe, it dealt with adequately, however steering felt numb in Sand mode. With the fitting tires, it may function a weekend tenting car, although a future all-wheel-drive variant would improve its enchantment.

Day 7: Charging Infrastructure Struggles

One notable function I’ll miss is the Avenger’s distinctive flip sign sound—an admirable contact in comparison with the standard ticking noise. As I put together to return the car, I make an effort so as to add some cost by way of public stations, solely to search out all of them non-functional.

It’s an ongoing frustration with the EV charging infrastructure. Thankfully, the Avenger’s effectivity is commendable, with an total consumption of 14.3kWh/100km, indicating a sensible vary of round 400km.

In abstract, the Avenger is an gratifying, succesful metropolis SUV with good dealing with and luxury. Nonetheless, it lacks the refinement typical of high-end EVs, and the rear house might not suffice for households. Its enticing design and dependable vary set it aside, however the Summit mannequin doesn’t present vital worth.

For these looking for higher worth, the entry-level Longitude is advisable; it presents related options at a sub-$50k value, making it the extra good selection among the many Avenger lineup.