Jeep Avenger Petrol Variant to be Sold in the UK from Early Next Year
Jeep has announced that it will be selling petrol versions of the Jeep Avenger in the UK from early next year. The move comes as a response to customer demand and will help fulfill the desires of consumers who prefer internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The petrol Avenger will be priced at £27,000 and will be available solely with a manual gearbox.
Initially, the petrol variant was only intended for sale in Italy, Poland, and Spain due to the lack of substantial EV infrastructure in those markets. However, following numerous enquiries from UK dealers, Jeep has decided to bring the petrol Avenger to the UK as well. This decision was made in response to the fact that 80% of Jeep’s sales are still pure-ICE vehicles.
Jeep’s UK product boss, Paul Rush, confirmed that the petrol Avenger will arrive in limited quantities, with only 600 currently on order. In addition to the petrol variant, a mild-hybrid powertrain variant will also be introduced to the UK market. This move reflects Jeep’s commitment to offering a range of options to cater to different customer preferences.
The petrol Avenger is powered by a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-liter Puretech engine, which is also used by other Stellantis stablemates such as the Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 308, and Citroën C3 Aircross. The compact crossover will be sold in mid-range Altitude trim and will come with no additional options apart from the choice of paint color. The price of the petrol variant is approximately £8,500 less than the electric version.
Details about the mild-hybrid variant are still scarce, but it is expected to be priced around £30,000 and will feature the same 1.2 Puretech 48V unit found in the Peugeot 3008. This engine is paired with a 28bhp electric motor integrated into a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Similar to the petrol variant, the mild-hybrid will be available in one trim level with limited options.
It is worth noting that Jeep’s primary focus remains on promoting the Avenger as an electric vehicle (EV). The decision to introduce petrol and hybrid variants is a response to customer demand and a way to cater to different market segments. However, Jeep is not planning to actively market these variants, as it wants to maintain the Avenger’s image as an EV.
Jules Tilstone, the UK boss of Jeep, expressed optimism about the introduction of the petrol variant, stating that there are certain market sectors where ICE cars present an opportunity for the brand. He emphasized that having cars on the road can serve as effective advertising for the brand.
Jeep’s decision to sell a petrol Avenger in the UK follows in the footsteps of fellow Stellantis brand Citroën, which also reversed its decision to sell the C4 X with solely electric power in the UK. This demonstrates the flexibility of automakers in responding to market demand and adjusting their strategies accordingly.
In conclusion, Jeep will be introducing petrol versions of the Avenger in the UK from early next year. This decision comes in response to customer demand and will help fulfill the desires of consumers who prefer ICE vehicles. The petrol variant will be priced at £27,000 and will be available solely with a manual gearbox. In addition, a mild-hybrid variant will also be introduced. Jeep’s decision reflects its commitment to offering a range of options to cater to different customer preferences while still maintaining its focus on promoting the Avenger as an EV.