Petrol and hybrid Jeep Avenger set for Australia

Jeep Australia has earmarked the introduction of both petrol and hybrid versions of its all-new Avenger compact SUV, which has just landed in Australia as Jeep’s first EV, meaning more affordable versions of the pint-sized SUV mightn’t be far away.

Speaking to local media at the launch of the new Jeep Avenger, Stellantis Australia – the local importer of Jeep vehicles – product manager Bridget Thomson says although the company’s current focus is on the all-new Avenger EV, it’s already looking at introducing a selection of more affordable powertrains already available in Europe.

“At the moment we’re excited to launch the BEV but we definitely wouldn’t rule out any future powertrain enhancement [for Avenger] in the future,” said Thomson.

But asked whether all options would be on the table, including a base-model petrol Avenger with a manual transmission, as well as mild hybrid and the four-wheel drive 4xe hybrid, Thomson wouldn’t be drawn on specifics.

“I don’t want to rule any specific powertrains out but I do think there’s more opportunity for this car outside of just BEV… wink wink,” she said.

“Yeah, I just wouldn’t rule anything out.”

Pricing for the Avenger EV ranges from $49,990 to $60,990 before on-road costs, however, the revelation would mean more competitively priced options for Jeep’s smallest SUV, which would see it equipped to take on the likes of the segment-favourite, MG ZS.

But the addition of petrol and hybrid options is an intriguing proposition, given Jeep Australia had to do a lot of ‘convincing’ with ex-global CEO Christian Meunier to get the small SUV here in the first place.

“We did a lot of work actually convincing the then-Jeep CEO that this car was made for Australia as well,” said Thomson.

“It is a little bit smaller than the other cars in our market which took a bit of convincing that even though it’s smaller, it’s definitely worth while in Australia.”?

Asked how soon a petrol or hybrid Avenger range could be sold in Australia, Thomson said it’s ‘difficult’ to say.

“I have gotten a few cars approved and it’s very different in what the timelines are so I probably couldn’t nail anything specific down.”

But given both the popularity of small SUVs Down Under, as well as slowing EV sales, an ICE or hybrid version of the Avenger could do wonders for the brand’s local success and clearly, its recent powertrain expansion is proof it’s pushing for growth.

“Over the last few years or so, we’ve made a very conscious effort to expand our powertrain offering to give more people, more choice,” said Thomson.

“So we’ve got the Compass in both hybrid and plug-in hybrid now, we’ve got the Grand Cherokee in ICE and plug-in hybrid, we’ve got this [Avenger] in BEV, so we’re trying to expand it as much as possible and let new people be introduced into the Jeep brand rather than being exclusively an internal combustion brand.”

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