Jeep Avenger: Petrol Mild-Hybrid Version Set to Expand Line-Up and Offer More Affordable Options in Australia

After launching its first electric vehicle in Australia with the Jeep Avenger, the American brand is poised to broaden its city SUV line-up by introducing a petrol mild-hybrid version. This new version could offer a more affordable entry point for Australian buyers while maintaining the iconic Jeep experience.

The Jeep Avenger made its debut in Australia as a fully electric vehicle (EV), priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs. As Jeep’s first foray into the electric market, the Avenger has garnered attention as a bold step towards electrification. However, with the growth of the electric vehicle market slowing, especially as EVs still account for only about 10% of the overall car market, Jeep is planning to introduce a more budget-friendly option with a petrol powertrain to cater to a wider audience.

Petrol Mild-Hybrid Avenger: The Next Step for Jeep

While the Avenger electric model is currently the focus, Jeep is eyeing the addition of a mild-hybrid petrol version to its line-up. Bridget Thomson, Stellantis Australia's product manager for small and compact models, confirmed at the Avenger BEV launch that while the current focus is on the electric version, the petrol model is a possibility for the future.

“I definitely wouldn't rule out any future powertrain enhancement in the future,” Thomson said. While the mild-hybrid version is still in the works, it could provide an affordable entry point to the Jeep brand, especially given the cooling demand for electric vehicles in the Australian market.

A Look at the Petrol Version: Powertrain and Features

In Europe, the Avenger mild-hybrid is available with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission. However, considering manual transmissions make up only a small percentage of new-car sales, a more likely configuration for the Australian market would be the mild-hybrid version with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The e-Hybrid powertrain combines a 74kW/205Nm petrol engine with a 21kW/55Nm electric motor integrated into the transmission. This setup allows the Avenger to run on electric power at low speeds for short distances (up to 1 kilometre), making it ideal for city driving. Jeep claims the e-Hybrid has a fuel consumption rating of just 4.9L/100km, a competitive figure for an SUV.

Additionally, Jeep offers an all-wheel-drive variant of the Avenger known as the 4xe, which uses the same petrol engine paired with a 21kW electric motor on the rear axle. This version can handle 40% grade climbs and comes with optional all-terrain tyres, making it suitable for light off-road adventures, a hallmark of the Jeep brand.

Pricing and Arrival: What to Expect in Australia

While the pricing for the mild-hybrid version in Australia has yet to be confirmed, we can look to the European market for guidance. In Italy, where small Jeep models are popular, the electric Avenger is priced around 40% more than the mild-hybrid version. If similar pricing trends are followed in Australia, we could see the petrol mild-hybrid Avenger priced between $36,000 and $44,000, significantly undercutting the Compass e-Hybrid, which is priced at $45,990.

If these price points are confirmed, the mild-hybrid version of the Avenger could become Jeep’s most affordable new car in Australia. This would be a significant move for the brand, especially considering that the Compass range was pushed above the $30,000 mark in 2020, making it less accessible to entry-level buyers.

Why the Mild-Hybrid Avenger Makes Sense for Australia

As the demand for electric vehicles experiences growing pains and the market remains divided, a petrol mild-hybrid version of the Jeep Avenger could be a smart addition to Jeep's portfolio. The mild-hybrid powertrain offers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency while providing an accessible price point for buyers who may not be ready to make the full leap to an electric vehicle.

With the popularity of city SUVs rising in Australia, the Avenger’s compact size and affordable price tag make it an attractive option for many Australians looking for a practical, fun-to-drive vehicle. The introduction of a petrol option ensures that those who aren’t quite ready to embrace full electrification still have the opportunity to own a Jeep SUV.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Jeep in Australia

With the Jeep Avenger available in both electric and mild-hybrid petrol versions, the brand is positioning itself to cater to a wide range of Australian customers. While the exact launch date and pricing for the mild-hybrid version are still to be confirmed, the move to expand the Avenger’s line-up reflects Jeep’s commitment to offering versatile, affordable options for Australian drivers.

As we continue to see a shift in the automotive market, the petrol mild-hybrid Avenger could be the perfect entry point for those seeking an affordable, eco-friendly SUV that embodies the rugged, adventurous spirit of Jeep, without the higher price tag of other models.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Avenger and other exciting new releases from Jeep in Australia!