|
|
|
|
13/08/2007
By ALISTAIR KENNEDY
|
|
|
Dodge has released the third vehicle in its Australian renaissance in the form of a mid-sized sedan called Avenger.
 We’ve long admired the adventurous styling of Chrysler’s products and Avenger is no different. It is bold, aggressive and chiseled in that distinctively Dodge manner that we’ve previously seen in the Caliber and Nitro. Styling is likely to be a major selling point for this brash new American.
Avenger will come with the choice of three petrol engines, two four-cylinder units with capacities of 2.0 and 2.4 litres are available now, and a 2.7-litre V6, scheduled to arrive early in 2008. The 2.0-litre Volkswagen diesel engine used in several other Chrysler Group vehicles is also being considered.
Each of the four-cylinder engines are developed as part of a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi and Hyundai and used in a number of other vehicles. The 2.0-litre generates 115 kilowatts at 6300 rpm and the 2.4-litre 125 kW at 6000 revs. Peak torque is 190 Nm and 220 Nm respectively.
Disappointingly, only the 2.4-litre engine was available for us to drive during the Avenger’s press launch in and around Queenstown in the South Island of New Zealand. While the car cruised comfortably on the flat with a two-passenger load, it struggled a little on the steeper slopes. It will be interesting to see how the smaller engine copes when we take it for an extended test drive back in Australia.
Avenger has a strong stance on the road and handled safely and predictably. In line with Australian driver preferences we get the same firmer suspension as cars sold in Europe, rather than the softer, American settings.
 Prices for the Dodge Avenger range begin at $28,290 for the 2.0-litre SX, only available with five-speed manual transmission. The 2.4-litre SX will sell for $30,990 with four-speed automatic and the 2.4-litre four-speed automatic SXT for $34,990. The price of the 2.7-litre V6 Avenger SXT will be announced closer to its 2008 launch. It will come with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Safety equipment in Avenger is impressively high and includes eight airbags, ABS brakes, emergency brake assist, electronic stability programme and traction control. Other standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, MP3-compatible CD player, fold-flat front passenger seat and a drink cooling storage compartment on top of the dashboard. In addition SXT models get a six-disc stacker for the CD player, fog lamps, power driver’s seat, heated leather-trimmed front seats, rear bootlid spoiler, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and 18-inch alloy wheels.
As with the two previous Dodge products, Avenger comes with two years free comprehensive insurance, a potentially significant saving, especially for young drivers.
 Dodge Avenger will compete against such well-established models as Toyota Camry, Subaru Liberty and Mazda6. It will also be up against its close relative, Chrysler Sebring, launched earlier this year. While the styling of the two cars is different the two cars are virtually identical under the skin, although Sebring is only sold with the 2.4-litre engine.
If you’re in the market for a mid-sized family car and looking for something substantially different to the neighbours’ cars the new Dodge Avenger is well worth adding to your list. |
|
|
|
|
|
Print Article
Submit Feedback
Email This Article
