If sound levels alone were enough to guarantee a good press, Dodge would certainly be stealing the show. But the loud music and adrenaline-fuelled delivery of its presenters suits the brassy character of the new car that’s the highlight of the stand.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel, the Avenger is a five-seater family-size car. It has a strong family resemblance to other recent Dodge cars: the body-coloured ‘crosshair’ grille and large, squared off headlamp units give the car what Joe Eberhardt, Executive VP of Global Marketing and Sales, called “a menacing glare”. The low ride height, large flared wheel arches, twin exhausts, rear boot spoiler, extended sills accentuate the car’s aggressive look.
Like the Hornet concept and Caliber production car before it, Avenger does a convincing job of getting an American flavour into a package that suits European driving conditions. It has a gritty personality that feels authentic.
Going as far as he could without actually committing to it, Mr Eberhardt said that this car was a very firm indication of what a car from Dodge in this segment would be like. For those who want something that’s a bit different from their neighbours, this could be just what they’re looking for. The principle flaw at this point is that it’s not a hatchback, Europeans’ preferred bodystyle – though in this market segment that’s a surmountable obstacle.
For the more conservative family car customer there’s the Chrysler Sebring, being showcased alongside the Avenger. Available for Europe with a choice of diesel and petrol engines and a long list of equipment, this all new car goes on sale in early 2007. With its quiet, confident looks, it’ll make an interesting alternative to the usual Fords, Vauxhalls and Peugeots, provided the build quality stands up to scrutiny.
The latest Wrangler will go on sale in the first quarter of 2007. It’ll be accompanied by an extended wheelbase version tagged “Wrangler Unlimited” that offers four doors and five seats – the first time so many of either have been available in a Wrangler.
With its iconic status and visually evident origins in the original US Army jeep, an update of the Wrangler was never going to be a revolution. But though this new generation is no clone of its predecessor, being clearly wider, lower and (mildly) restyled, it respects its heritage and offers a careful modernisation.
Needless to say, Jeep engineers say they’ve retained all of its off-road ability in what is a more comfortable and sophisticated package. Characteristic features like the removable roof panels and doors remain. The update makes it possible to offer ESP (stability control) and ‘electronic roll mitigation.’ Perhaps the most important new option will be a diesel engine that’s likely to increase the model’s appeal to European buyers considerably over the exclusively petrol (and exclusively thirsty) power available today.
