Dodge Avenger: Mid-Sizer From Michigan

Motoring Channel Staff - 9/August/2007

Mulgrave, Australia — Dodge has launched it's new Avenger in Australia, which goes on sale on Monday the 13th of August, priced from $28,290. The 4-door mid-sized car will compete for market share against vehicles like the Holden Epica, Mazda6, and the upcoming Ford Mondeo.

Australian pricing for the new model is as follows:

• Avenger SX - $28,290
  2.0-litre, 5-speed manual

• Avenger SX - $30,990
  2.4-litre, 4-speed automatic

• Avenger SXT - $34,990
  2.4-litre, 4-speed automatic

• Avenger SXT - (Pricing unavailable until release in early 2008)
  2.7-litre, 6-speed automatic

Some of the features that set the Dodge Avenger apart from its rivals include its bold and aggressive styling, an optional 20Gb hard disk and infotainment centre, three engine choices, and standard safety features such as ESP, ABS, and side curtain airbags.

The Chrysler Group's Australian managing director, Gerry Jenkins, was clearly ebullient after announcing the new car: "How good is this? The all new Avenger truly has Dodge adrenaline pumping through its veins. There isn’t a car in its segment that looks this tough - finally a car the consumer won’t feel embarrassed driving."

Dodge is also offering 2 years free comprehensive insurance on the 4.85 metre long Avenger, which is likely to encourage interest in the new model.

"With class leading standard safety features, 2 years free Dodge insurance and an economical powertrain all for under $30,000, the third Dodge model to arrive in Australia stays true to giving value to the customer," added Mr Jenkins.

In addition to the angular American-style design of the vehicle that is intentionally bucking the curvy 'Euro' trend that most car makers are delivering, the car includes a range of features that Dodge hopes will further set it apart from its competitors:

 Chill Zone – a storage compartment in the top of the dashboard panel that holds up to four 500ml beverage bottles or cans.

 Heated/cooled front cup holder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 60 degrees Celsius or cools to 2 deg. (SXT only)

 YES Essentials seat fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains odours and discolouration. (SX only)

 Optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player and six-disc CD/DVD changer.

 Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity and play capability on all audio systems.

 Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats.

As well as a fair-sized boot (452 litres) with 60/40 split folding rear seats, the engine options span 4- and 6-cylinder units. As Dodge explains, two petrol 4-cylinder engines will be offered, a 2.0-litre and a 2.4-litre while a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine will be available in early 2008 for the first time in the Australian market.

The entry level 2.0-litre engine has "the best power and combined fuel consumption among its key competitors" according to Dodge. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers 115kW @ 6300rpm and 190Nm of torque @ 5100rpm. 

Fuel economy is a competitive 7.8 litres per 100km (combined cycle).

Customers wanting an automatic transmission will have to give the 2.0-litre engine a miss, and opt for 2.4-litre petrol engine matched to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. This engine makes 125kW @ 6000rpm and 220Nm of torque @ 4500rpm.

Fuel economy for the 2.4-litre engine is 8.9 litres per 100km (combined cycle).

Then in January 2008, the Avenger SXT will also be offered with an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine developing 137kW of power @ 5500rpm and 256Nm of torque @ 4000rpm. The 6-cylinder engine will be merged with a new 6-speed automatic transmission.

All Dodge Avenger models are front-wheel drive.

Dodge claims that the Avenger's chassis will "put the emphasis on fun-to-drive ride and handling" and features independent suspension. Entry-level SX models get 17-inch steel rims with plastic covers, and SXT models get 18-inch alloy wheels. Dodge says the new sedan's long wheelbase (2765mm) and wide track (1570mm) give it a high level of natural stability, while the suspension has been designed to reduce road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The Dodge Avenger is built in Michigan, in the USA.

Related articles:
- Dodge Nitro (2007)
- Dodge Viper SRT10 (2008)
- 392 HEMI Dodge Challenger Super Stock (concept)
- Dodge Avenger (concept)
- Dodge Caliber (2007)
- Dodge Challenger (concept)
- Dodge Charger (2006)
- Dodge Viper SRT-10 (2003)