Dodge Avenger Concept: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 28/Sep/2006

Paris France — Dodge has released a new concept car that made its public debut at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, called the Avenger, which if built (and at present all signs are extremely positive) it would be Dodge/Chrysler's medium sized offering in the burgeoning market segment.

About the size of a Toyota Camry, it's distinctly American design is far removed from its potential Japanese rivals, whose sleek forms are at odds with the Avenger concept's brutish angles and strong character.

"This Avenger concept is another expression of where the Dodge brand is headed," stated Trevor Creed, the senior vice president of design at the Chrysler Group.

"Avenger brings Dodge brand American muscle car heritage into the global mid-size car segment. It does for the global D-segment what Caliber has done in the global C-segment — it offers a unique alternative to the competition."

Plans for the vehicle to be sold in the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific region - including Australia - are already being considered, and the show car that is being marketed to the world at the Paris Motor Show is packed with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. This diesel motor suggests the American company wants to sell the car in Europe, where diesel engines make up half the entire market.

The front-wheel drive vehicle is more than likely to be sold in right hand drive markets, and we predict the vehicle will come to Australia in mid-to-late 2007, where it compete with the likes of the Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Subaru Liberty. The 2.0-litre diesel engine would be a must for the car to succeed in European markets, but in Australia the more likely motors include a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine from the PT Cruiser or possibly even a more powerful V6 engines from the Dodge/Chrysler range. 

Unlike its Japanese rivals, the Avenger Concept features a more divergent style, and this could work in its favour by offering something a little 'different'. The American car maker says the Avenger’s Dodge-branded styling makes a definite statement in the medium car segment, commanding attention and evoking attributes that define the Dodge brand: bold, powerful, capable and street smart.

Finished in a striking Inferno Red colour, Dodge insists that the Avenger concept will appeal to car buyers around the world who need the practicality, functionality and fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan, but want more, including a vehicle with pizazz that stands out and makes a statement.

From the front, explains the North American car maker, there's no mistaking the bold presence of Dodge's heritage cues in Avenger's crisp and edgy exterior design. Large, modern quad headlamps surrounded by black housings create the distinctive glare that forms Avenger's face and surround the signature Dodge crosshair grille, which features body-color accents. In addition to the strong grille section, sporty fog lamps are positioned in the outer corners of the front fascia and car has an aggressive front splitter.

The Avenger's side profile is distinguished by a long hood, says Dodge, with a short rear deck lid augmented by muscular rear shoulders and decent rear spoiler. The concept car's long greenhouse is created by the use of a high-gloss black B-pillar and aerodynamic inspired rear door appliqués, and bold wheel arches frame the 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

With its wide stance, lowered ride height and deep side skirts, the Avenger concept has a very powerful character, which creates a strong road presence, while deep red brake callipers gleam from the wheels.

Because the car is essentially a styling concept at this stage, designed to gauge European sentiment towards the vehicle and a potential market launch, little else has been finalised for the concept car. Gearbox, engine output, standard equipment and other factors will be released when the car is given the green light for approval - which is likely to be sooner rather than later.

Would you trade in your Mazda6, Camry, or Accord Euro for one of these later in 2007? Feel free to let us know in the Letters Section.