Jeep Avenger 4xe

WHEN the Jeep Avenger was launched back in 2023, Auto Express' consensus was that it was a stylish, compact all-electric SUV that looked and felt ideal for European markets.

- Jordan Katsianis

It was a touch expensive, but very nearly took our Car of the Year gong that year. Now, however, the EV market has exploded with new offerings that offer better range and more features, yet cost less.

To compensate, Jeep brought out a cheaper hybrid version, but that felt like little more than a small European hatchback from the wider Stellantis group with a Jeep badge glued to the nose. So, the company has now revealed a fresh and still EU-friendly hybrid model with a clever new fourwheel drive system and a more rugged persona.

The 4xe set-up combines the existing hybridised 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a second e-motor on the rear axle that provides extra power and improved traction. Jeep quotes a maximum output of 144bhp, with 230Nm of torque.

The engine produces the bulk of that with 136bhp, but the two 28bhp e-motors help where possible. They add not only power to the driveline, but also some welcome torque when the petrol unit is out of its ideal operating window.

The engine and one of the e-motors power the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, with the other motor just servicing the rear wheels. The car will hit 62mph in a leisurely 9.5 seconds, and although Jeep quotes an official economy figure of 54mpg, we saw around 45mpg on test. Those numbers aren't groundbreaking, but nor should they put you off.