Plans are afoot for a proper 4Xe plug-in hybrid off-road version of the Jeep Avenger.
Jeep has used the Paris Motor Show to showcase its ability to make the new Avenger baby SUV four-wheel drive, with the Avenger 4×4 Concept.
The Jeep Avenger is not on the cars for Australia yet, but a rugged off-roader like this concept could do well here.
The new model is based on an evolution of the e-CMP platform that also underpins front-drive SUVs like the Peugeot e-2008. But Jeep engineers have worked on the revisions to the architecture to allow four-wheel drive, and the Paris show car is designed to demonstrate how a more extreme off-roader version of the Avenger could look.
The concept has a wider track and stretched wheelarches to help accommodate chunky all-terrain tyres, and the approach, breakover and departure angles have been improved compared with those of the regular Avenger, at 21 degrees, 20 degrees and 34 degrees respectively.
Other tweaks include a lightweight cargo system that uses belts to fix loads above the roof, which has scratch protection, extra cladding and more floodlights in the front bumper, and an bonnet sticker designed to minimise reflection and glare through the windscreen.
Jeep has confirmed that the Avenger “will be added to the range of 4xe models coming in the future” but beyond saying that the powertrain has been “enhanced by electrification”, it has declined to provide details on whether a combustion engine is involved. Automotive Daily understands that the show car is entirely electric – but no details have been issued on power output, battery size, performance or range.
John McIlroy