Iconic car brand launches new hybrid in UK that’s ‘faster off road’ than ANY rival – and it’s one of cheapest on market
AN iconic British car brand has launched a new hybrid that’s “faster off-road” than its rivals despite being among the cheapest on the market.
The base model was launched last year in electric and petrol specs, but the new all-wheel drive version will not be available as an EV.
Jeep has announced the latest update to its Avenger lineup, with the introduction of a hybrid variant of the popular SUV.
The Avenger 4xe will slot in at the top of the model range and the firm promises it will “go further, fast and better off road” than any of its rivals.
The firm says the car will “establish a new standard” and “deliver on performance and sustainability”.
Under the bonnet, a 134-horsepower, turbocharged petrol engine will link up with two 28-horsepower electric motors, with one located on each axle.
Power is run through a six-speed automatic gearbox, laying down a 120mph top speed.
Jeep also suggests that the hybrid system can channel 1400ft lb of torque to the rear wheels to boost off-road performance.
That is aided a “smart” AWD system, which turns on and off depending on driving conditions.
All four wheels will receive power under 19mph, helping it handle tricky terrain.
Above that mark, the rear wheels are powered selectively up to 56mph, at which point it shifts to front-wheel drive only to improve fuel economy.
And drivers can make use of ‘Selec-Terrain’ driving modes to adapt the specs fo Snow, Sand, Mud and Sport settings as well as the standard Auto option.
On the interior, the design has been refreshed, with the most notable addition being new seats and “durable” trim to help features last longer.
The seats themselves will be made of an easier-to-wash material, while drivers will also be offered an optional bonnet sticker to reduce glare in sunny conditions.
Plus as part of its rugged, off-roading image, customers will be offered mud and snow tyres as standard or can pay a little extra for All Terrain 3PMSF tyres.
Speaking of paying, the Avenger 4xe will come in among the cheapest hybrid SUVs on the market – and not far off the cheapest hybrids in general.
Priced from £30,999, it’s only about £12,000 more than the MG3, which is the most affordable hybrid you can get these days.
But you’ll have to get one while they last, as Jeep has confirmed there will be a special £34,999 North Face edition, which will be limited to just 4,806 production examples.
Eric Laforge, who heads up Jeep’s European division, said: “We are proud to introduce a model that not only delivers on performance and sustainability but also sets a new standard for versatility and style.”