A new direction for the brand as Jeep introduces its first electric vehicle. By John Challen.

The Jeep is made in Europe and targeted at European drivers

If there was any doubt among drivers that an all-electric Jeep couldn’t retain the company’s core competences, the manufacturer was quick to dispel it at the European launch of the car earlier this year. Despite Jeep being an American brand, Avenger is a car designed for markets on the other side of the Atlantic – but it still retains “100% Jeep DNA in [its] four metres”, according to Christian Meunier, the company’s CEO.

Overall quality is improved from previous Jeeps – the interior offers upgraded materials throughout, features a well thought mix of buttons and screens and there is plenty of storage space. At 34 litres, there is more than twice the volume of the average for the C-segment.

At the heart of the Avenger’s performance is a 400V e-motor, which delivers 156hp and 260Nm and works alongside a 54kWh battery.

The all-new electric motor and battery – as well as the car’s heat pump – have ensured an improvement in driving range. The range-topping Summit and Altitude boast 245 miles (combined) and 356 miles (City) on the WLTP cycle. The base Avenger – Longitude – offers marginally more, with 248 and 360 miles respectively.

Charging up to 100kW DC is available, enabling the battery to be replenished from 20 to 80% in 24 minutes. For domestic purposes, drivers can charge up to 11kW AC, with a zero to 100% battery charge being reached in 5.5 hours. For everyday driving, Jeep also highlighted that a three-minute DC would generate 18.6 miles (30km).

There are three models currently in the Avenger range, starting with the Longitude, priced from £34,800. Standard spec includes a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone connectivity and rear parking sensors. Safety technologies onboard include traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning and vulnerable road user recognition.

Building on the Longitude is the Attitude (starting from £36,500), which adds in a 10-inch driver display, larger alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control and leather steering wheel.

Finally, topping off the range is the Summit, which starts at £39,100. For the extra £2,600 there’s level 2 autonomous driving technology, heated front seats, LED lighting front and rear and parking sensors all round.

There are three packs available: Tech and style (£1,400); Infotainment and convenience (£1,000) and Winter (£350). Most options within those packs are included in the Summit. In addition, electric seats with massage functionality – and a panoramic roof – will be available to order from the second half of 2023.

There is a lot to like about the new Avenger – and proof of that is with the 20,000-plus orders that had been placed for the car before it had even gone on sale. In the SUV-heavy UK (and European) market, this Jeep offers something different for drivers, but in a package that will be familiar – especially to those who have sampled other Stellantis products.

Performance is good and, some wind noise aside, Avenger is comfortable, steers well and offers plenty of room and storage options inside. While few Avengers will ever venture far from the Tarmac, it can handle tougher terrains.

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT? C-SUV

HOW MUCH? From £34,800

RANGE? 211.3-270.3mpg

CHARGE 20-80%? 24mins (100kW)

Key fleet model: Altitude

Pros: Interior and storage; driving dynamics

Cons: Wind noise; rear leg room

7-word summary: A small but very capable electric Jeep

Also consider: Kia Niro EV / Peugeot e-2008 / Vauxhall Mokka-e