- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
125kW, 220Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 8.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Dodge Avenger SXT
Dodge's new medium-sized Avenger sedan is fundamentally a Camry competitor. That might sound like a modest ambition, but considering the success of Toyota's locally-built mainstay, it's actually a tough challenge.
The Camry is so competent it's almost scary. There's not a lot of excitement built-in, but that's OK if the customer's primary desires are comfortable, reliable motoring at an affordable price.
Disguised under quite aggressive sheetmetal, the Avenger has the same sort of straightforward driving appeal as the Camry. A choice of two petrol four-cylinder engines (a V6 and turbo-diesel are coming) and two well-equipped specifications are offered at very competitive pricing.
Here we are testing the flagship (until the V6 arrives), the $34,990 SXT. This comes with a modern 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and not-so-modern four-speed auto transmission. If you want a manual, you'll have to drop down to the SX 2.0-litre four.
The Avenger's equipment list includes dual front, side and curtain airbags and a driver's knee airbag, ABS, traction and stability control and a lap-sash seatbelt for all five passenger seats.
Comfort equipment includes a powered driver's seat, leather trim, cruise control, climate control, a six-CD Boston Acoustics audio system, heated front seats, an alarm, alloy wheels and cruise control.
That's not bad at all for the money, undercutting the most closely priced Camry - the Sportivo auto - by a few hundred bucks and probably emerging ahead on equipment once you factor in the free comprehensive insurance deal Dodge offers with Avenger.
The Avenger also has an impressive amount of interior space front and rear that will fit adults comfortably. There's a sizeable boot, a split-fold for the rear seat and a fold-down function for the front passenger seat that means fitting something like a surfboard should be easy.
There's plenty of interior storage space, including a chillable bin, a roomy glove box, a two-level centre console box and pockets in each door. Cupholders include one that can heat drinks up. It's a nice idea, although its hard surfacing means glass bottles can clink around.
Indeed, hard surfaces are an Avenger trait. It all looks good, particularly the instrument pod with its white-faced sunken tubes. But everything is hard to the touch and some of the edges are sharp. The perforated leather seats are well shaped but extremely firm. Dodge says this is due to the choice of a new foam that will soften pretty quickly and be more durable.
In driving terms the Camry Sportivo is comparable to the Avenger SXT 2.4. Not only is its engine the same size and outputs very similar, but they both also have 'sporty' suspension tunes.
In the Avenger's case, it's called a "Euro" tune and it's the only choice you get. It's also shared with the Chrysler Sebring, which is the Avenger's non-identical mechanical twin.
The combination of a modern four-cylinder engine and a reasonably controlled chassis means the Avenger is quite an acceptable drive. With provisos. The engine is smooth and hardworking, but the car's 1560 kg kerb weight is a fair load for it to haul.
Add in a four-speed auto that is well calibrated - but at least one ratio short of the optimum number - and forward progress can be pedestrian at times. Dodge only claims an 11.0 seconds 0-100 km/h dash time. More promising is the 8.9 L/100 km claimed fuel consumption average. We managed 10.3 L/100 km, which is quite respectable.
Dynamically, the front-wheel-drive Avenger is again competent without inspiring. Certainly it is not as involving as the class leaders such as the Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Subaru Liberty.
While there is a disappointing lack of feel from the steering, kickback and rack rattle intrude only moderately on bumpy corners. Torque steer and wheelspin remain absent. Road, engine and suspension noise is not too intrusive either.
The body rides well enough on our rough roads, but tends to lumpiness at slower town speeds. The Avenger's ability in urban areas isn't helped by its rising window line, small rear-side windows and thick pillars which make reversing and parking something of a chore. You do sit quite deep, too, particularly in the rear, and that's something that younger kids won't like.
Their cries of complaint may well be the most powerful emotion ever expressed about this car. Like the Camry, the Avenger is competent and no more. But don't forget to try a Camry as well.
Range
Dodge Avenger SX | 2.0L | $28,290 |
Dodge Avenger SX | 2.4L | $30,990 (auto) |
Dodge Avenger SXT | 2.4L | $34,990 (auto) |