Jeep Avenger Hybrid: part-time electric vehicle as a bridge builder

The Jeep Avenger, voted European Car of the Year a year ago as an all-electric SUV, will be joined by a hybrid version. It is powered by a combination of a 1.2-liter turbo three-cylinder engine and a 21 kW electric motor. Equipped in this way, the smallest Jeep accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 184 km/h.

Power is transmitted by a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the person behind the steering wheel can select three driving settings: Normal, Eco and Sport. The electric motor always takes on the main role, especially in the city, and thanks to the additional electric power, the torque increases in the lower speed range. When decelerating, the 48-volt lithium-ion battery stores the resulting energy. Compared to a combustion engine with automatic transmission, the hybrid Avenger reduces CO2 emissions by up to 15 percent.

During an initial test lap around Milan, the on-board computer reported a fuel consumption of 5.9 liters and an electric share of 40 percent. Jeep promises a fuel consumption of 4.9 liters. The hybrid Avenger will be available at dealerships from the end of April. The price list starts at 27,000 euros. (aum)