8 February 2011
The Kiwi press had a chuckle at Chrysler group's Dodge Avenger launch last week, as the Avenger name conjured images of the locally assembled Chrysler Avenger circa 1970s - in all its vinyl-roofed splendor.
The Avenger is now the group's second offering within the mid-size sedan segment, following the Chrysler Sebring with which it shares underpinnings and drive train.
Dynamically differences between the two are barely perceptible, as is practicality and comfort, however the demographics to which each appeals couldn't be more different.
While the Sebring plugs itself to older buyers looking for an element of prestige and class, it falls short of expectations with a rather chintzy and poorly assembled interior.
The Avenger, in truth offers no improvement in interior build quality - an area Chrysler recognises as needing work
Inside the glovebox lid opens onto the passenger's shins, and closes with an approximation that would be deemed unacceptable from a Japanese manufacturer.
But it's marketed more as a blue collar, good ol' boy, with Dodge Ram DNA and a muscle car political incorrectness (despite not actually being politically incorrect at all really). To the Avenger's demographic, the striking visuals should outweigh the interior shortfalls, not to mention offer a point of difference to the rest of the class. There's no denying the Avenger's visual presence.
Sure, it's a bit of a facade. The Avenger after all is no more of a muscle car underneath than its seventies namesake, powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder that develops 129kW @ 6000rpm and 220Nm @ 4400rpm and drives the front wheels through only a four-speed automatic transmission. A more 'muscular' V6, six-speed auto drivetrain can be expected in 2008, along with a VW derived diesel paired to Chrysler's own direct shift gearbox (DSG).
The 2.4 seems lacking in torque at the lower end of the rev-range and the added punch of the up coming V6 or diesel would likely be our pick, though once up to speed the Avenger cruises quietly. Fuel economy is middle of the road for the segment at a claimed average of 9.2 L/100km.
Spec levels of either the entry-level SE or range topping SXT models are generous
With the base vehicle including six-airbags, stain resistant cloth interior, security alarm, traction control with electronic stability control (ESP), cruise and climate control, MP3 compatible CD player, a chilled compartment that can accommodate four drink cans and a flip-out storage pocket for a cellphone or i-pod.
The SXT adds attractive 18-inch alloys; fog lamps and an aggressive body kit, leather interior, six-speaker Boston Acoustics audio and a snazzy cup holder that can either chill or heat your beverages...excellent!
A sunroof can be optioned, and a 'myGig' touch screen entertainment system incorporating a 20Gb hard drive to store multi media files and play DVDs on will be available for factory retrofit in coming months.
If handling dynamics is an area you will accept no compromise, there's better cars in the class for you. But for everyone else, the staunch styling and bang for buck appeal could be the Avenger's trump card against competitors. At $33,990 for the SE or $38,990 for the SXT the Avenger proves 'budget conscious' needn't be bland.
No vinyl roof, but great value for money all the same.