OVER may years of attending new car launches I have become a bit sceptical when manufacturers announce an ‘off road’ experience to fully test out their latest offering.
Some car makers (no names mentioned) think 20 minutes going along a farmers driveway is sufficient but I know that when Jeep invite me to try one of their cars it really will involve traversing some of the rough stuff.
So it was recently when I went along to a spectacular North Yorkshire country estate to sample the recently launched Avenger 4xe. Jeep have added 4×4 power to their Avenger B segment SUV to give the stylish motor true off road capability with a three cylinder petrol engine up front and twin electric motors.
The 4xe drivetrain is the most powerful in the Avenger hybrid line-up, offering 36hp and 25 Nm more torque than the e-Hybrid FWD, which results in faster acceleration and a higher top speed with only a slight increase in CO2 emissions.
Its innovative powertrain features a 48V hybrid system with a 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine producing 136hp, paired with dual 21kW electric motors located at the front and rear. This combination delivers all-wheel-drive and is coupled with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to allow the vehicle to drive in full electric mode at low speeds. It accelerates from zero to 62 mph in a time of 9.5 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 120 while fuel consumption figures are up to 60mpg.
In addition to more power, the Avenger 4xe has superior off-road performance, with improved angles, an additional 10mm of ground clearance plus the ability to wade through water up to 400mm deep. Standard M+S tyres provide reliable traction while optional All Terrain 3PMSF tyres are available.
Equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Avenger 4xe ensures that 4×4 is available at low speeds with permanent traction on all four wheels in a 50:50 torque split. At medium speeds (up to 56 mph), the rear axle drive engages only when required, while at high speeds (above 56 mph), the rear e-motor disengages from the axle to optimise fuel consumption.
The system you to switch between modes: Auto; providing all-wheel drive only when necessary; Snow, enhancing traction and stability during winter travel; Sand & Mud, for uneven terrains, featuring specific gear ratios and traction control to maintain grip and Sport, which has an E-boost function for rear-wheel torque and quicker acceleration.
The Avenger 4xe also has the Jeep Multilink rear suspension system, a feature usually found on larger vehicles, which significantly enhances rear axle articulation resulting in smoother rides on rough roads and providing superior comfort across challenging terrain.
We got to sample the North Face editions which boast refreshed exterior including redesigned fog lights positioned slightly higher and outward, roof rails and rear tow hook which complement the vehicle’s rugged looks.
New front and rear bumpers and offer improved body protection over rocky terrain with higher and more prominent cladding protecting vital components and North Face versions also feature a matt bonnet sticker to cut reflections from the sun while driving.
Inside there are new seats made from washable materials and the range starts from the 4xe Upland at £31.219 with 17-inch black alloy wheels, full LED reflector headlamps, body-coloured door handles and silver skid plates.
The Upland has driver assistance features including a 10.25-inch radio screen and matching 10.25-inch full digital cluster for infotainment and driving data. Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Descent Control, a 180 degree rear camera, Telematic Box and Connected Services, an auto-dimming mirror, automatic high beam and keyless start are also included as standard.
The Overland trim level adds full LED front headlamp projector, rear LED lights, privacy glass, 360 degree parking sensors, L2 assisted driving, wireless charger, blind spot monitor, frameless auto dimming rear view mirror and foldable door mirrors with puddle lights.
While the range topping North Face Edition, limited to 4,806 units (the height of Mont Blanc), has special edition features and plus North Face have also created a dedicated welcome kit for customers which includes a tent, duffle bag and water bottle- all for £35,219.
The dashboard has a silhouette of Mont Blanc and the inscription ‘One of 4806’ displayed below the Avenger logo and the North Face Edition also includes sat-nav, heated windscreen and heated front seats, passive entry and a hands-free power tailgate.
The Jeep Avenger 4xe is produced at the Stellantis plant in Poland which has undergone modernisation and the Avenger range offers three powertrain options, two transmissions and two drivetrain options.
On road it is quite quick and comfy but it is off road where the superhero stuff happens as we assembled to take our Avengers across steep slippery inclines, rivers and over huge rocks and boulders… great fun.
For more info see www.jeep.co.uk
By Motoring Editor Steve Howarth