Under its sharp-looking skin, the Avenger is a medium segment car based on the Chrysler Sebring (more here). In styling terms, the Avenger explores themes already established in the Dodge Charger, which is not available in Australia, but is the Dodge equivalent of the Chrysler 300C.
Just as an aside, the Charger is a car Chrysler is still working on for the Australian market, but it's not happening while LHD demand outstrips supply, according to the company's General Manager, Marketing, Mike Ross.
So, the Avenger is to Sebring what the Charger is to the 300C. According to Chrysler, that means it's typical Dodge -- a lower-priced car than the Sebring, but bringing aggressive styling to the formula.
Currently, the Avenger is available in just two grades, the SX and SXT. A 2.0-litre engine powers the SX model and drives through a five-speed manual transmission. The Avenger SX can be optioned with a 2.4-litre engine and four-speed automatic transmission, the standard drivetrain combo for the Avenger SXT.
Chrysler has plans to bring a 2.7-litre V6 option with a six-speed automatic transmission to Australia early next year. There's also the possibility of an all-wheel drive version in due course.
As for other Dodge models, the Avenger is introduced with the offer of two years' free comprehensive insurance. Chrysler executives estimate that this could constitute a saving of up to $1400 a year for Avenger buyers in high risk markets.
That saving casts the Avenger SX's entry-level price of $28,290 in sharp relief. Pricing and options are listed at the bottom of this article.
Safety features fitted as standard include Brake Assist, Traction Control, ESP and ABS. In the event of a crash, the front airbags deploy in accordance with the severity of the impact and are complemented by side curtain airbags to protect the heads of all occupants.
A host of standard features range from the handy to the intriguing. Named 'Chill Zone', the cool-box above the glovebox will hold up to four 500ml cans of drink and keep them cold. This function is shared in part by the cup-holder in the centre console.
Capable of heating and cooling drinks, the cup-holder, which comes with the Avenger SXT, operates as low as two degrees for cold drinks, or up to 60 degrees for hot drinks -- too hot to hold your hand in there, according to Mike Ross.
There's also the 'YES Essentials' anti-static and anti-stain fabric applied to the seats in the Avenger SX and exclusive to Chrysler Group products.
And then there's the input jack for the audio system, which can channel music from an MP3 player to the speakers through the car's audio system.
For the Avenger, Chrysler will offer the option of 'MyGig', a sophisticated multi-media entertainment and information system that incorporates a viewing screen, a 20gig hard disk drive, a touch-screen for controls, a hands-free Bluetooth communication system and a USB input to transfer files to the system's disk. Still images can be downloaded through the USB transfer port, to provide custom wallpapers for the system.
The MyGig system's 6.5-inch TFT ('Thin Film Transistor') screen features an active matrix display that will provide easy viewing from almost 180 degrees, meaning that the driver and passenger can both enjoy watching the same picture.
Pricing:
Dodge Avenger SX 2.0-litre five-speed manual $28,290
Dodge Avenger SX 2.4-litre four-speed automatic $30,990
Dodge Avenger SXT 2.4-litre four-speed automatic $34,990
Dodge Avenger SXT 2.7-litre six-speed automatic TBA
Options:
Premium paint $300
Electric sunroof $2000
Six-disc CD (MP3-compatible) $600 (SX specifically)
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