PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Jeep Avenger 4x4 Concept unveiled

A more rugged version of the Jeep Avenger has been unwrapped at the Paris motor show, sporting tougher looks and enhanced off-road capability thanks to all-wheel drive.

Featuring wider fenders and a broader track than the all-new Jeep Avenger electric SUV revealed last month, plus extra towing hooks and grippier mud tyres, the tougher concept car is claimed by Jeep to go further off-road.

As well as the extra protective cladding, engineers have also jacked up the ride height of the zero-emissions small SUV to more than 200mm. This has helped improve the approach angle to 21 degrees, the departure angle to 34 degrees and the breakover angle to 20 degrees.

To help cope with life in the bush, the Avenger 4x4 also gets a built-in floodlight, anti-scratch wrap and a scratchproof roof cargo system. The bonnet also features anti-glare treatment and, curiously, a new bonnet vent.

A close look at the concept on the stand in Paris revealed there was still plenty of work to be done with a rear axle, which lacked both a rear motor and differential.

That means it's impossible to whether the Avenger 4x4 will feature a pure-electric powertrain with two electric motors, or the mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains that will eventually join the all-new small SUV line-up.

If it’s the former, expect the Avenger 4x4 to produce around 225kW from its dual electric motors and pack a sophisticated armoury of new all-wheel drive software that governs how much of its torque can be deployed in rough and slippery conditions.

It’s not known if the standard Avenger’s 54kWh battery will be enlarged to cope, but it's highly likely as Jeep has already declared that the Avenger 4x4 will be awarded its coveted ‘Trail-Rated’ accolade following extensive testing on some of the world's toughest terrain.

The drawback of the all-terrain Avenger is it’s unlikely to match the standard Jeep’s 400km of EV range between top-ups.

Commenting on the new concept, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said: “The Avenger has been designed as a Jeep vehicle from the outset, and the all-electric 4x2 model already offers some of the best-in-class capabilities that identify the Jeep brand.

“But we couldn’t help but wonder, what would happen if we injected the Jeep brand’s four-wheel-drive electrified capabilities into a compact package while retaining the brand’s unique design language, capability and personality?”

Already confirmed for Europe and right-hand drive markets like the UK and Japan in 2023, the new Jeep Avenger is under consideration for release in Australia, where Jeep’s first EV could join other new battery-powered Jeep SUVs including the already-confirmed Recon and Wagoneer S.

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