Jeep Avenger 4Xe review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

Bang! The car shook, and I started crying, writes Brian Byrne. My first recollection of the Jeep brand goes back to when I was maybe nine or ten. Our family car was a Jeep Station Wagon. It had a two-tone paint job, I seem to remember as beige and brown. On a memorable day, when we children were being transported to the annual family holiday in Courtown, somebody ran into it while we were parked at a petrol station. I recall being very upset, but there was only some panel damage, and we were able to continue our journey.

Jeeps have featured many times in my some 35 years of motoring journalism. It’s a small brand in Ireland. In 2007, just 93 units were registered. But last year more than 200 were, so there’s growth, due mainly to the arrival of smaller models that make sense in today’s driving world — the Renegade a decade ago, and the Avenger in the last couple of years. The latter is the current biggest seller, offering a smaller and more car-like experience than the chunkier Renegade that is no longer on sale in this market. A new mid-size Compass has just been launched here.

I’ve liked the Avenger since it first arrived. It has a tidy, smart look, is wide enough to give it some presence, and is not so big as to be unwieldy in the urban landscape for which it is designed. The front has a modernised version of the Jeep grille, making the car distinctively of the iconic automotive tribe. Chunky alloys and scratch-proof polymer skid plates added to the character of my review 4Xe version. Black and green painted panels on the bonnet and some special badging gave the car an individual look. I liked the black roof and the rails that come with the 4Xe package, and the stronger sculpting on the front bumper area. 

Inside, there’s enough space to be young-family useful or empty-nester comfortable. The sense of width is reinforced by the straight-edge styling of the dashboard. The driving information screen keeps things simple, and the infotainment-nav one is a neat, non-dominating size. The main climate controls and volume control are toggle switches, and the automatic transmission, which my car had, is selected with a line of PRND buttons under them — a bit fiddly, those, when doing back and forward manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Shoulder and headroom are good, and I found the seats comfortable. The Avenger's boot space is a metre wide and has a capacity of up to 325L with the rear seats in use. The 4Xe interior materials are selected to be easily washed after a day on dirtier terrain than suburban roads.

Originally planned to be sold in electric form only, brand owner Stellantis quickly backed off that thought and added both a standard petrol and its small mild hybrid petrol option to the Avenger's powertrains. The hybrid used in the 4Xe is linked to an electric AWD system developed for the smaller car, and with 136hp compared to the FWD version's 100hp. The off-road ability is real, with selectable terrain control for different conditions. The car rides higher than the standard Avenger and can ford water up to 400mm deep. A rated 5.4L/100km is frugal.

There are three dedicated 4Xe specification levels available, culminating in a North Face that adds some orange-themed detailing outside and in to make the owner feel ahead of the pack. But everything that's really necessary is available in the Upland grade, which was my review car. 

Over my three and a half decades in this business, I have driven Land Rovers in the Argentine Andes and Icelandic glaciers, Range Rovers and Ford Rangers in scary Moroccan mountains, and many other off-road capable vehicles in various rugged conditions that, really, very few owners would need to experience. The little Jeep Avenger 4Xe is probably not in the same league as some of those, but it is a very capable car that I'd be very comfortable living with for everyday use and the occasional adventurous experience.

PRICE: Avenger from €29,995 in petrol, BEV or hybrid; review 4Xe version from €39,995. WHAT I LIKED: Cool style and capability that's accessible for the family motorist. 

Jeep Avenger 4xe review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Jeep Avenger is the smallest vehicle offered by Jeep, positioned below the Renegade in the brand’s line-up. A subcompact crossover SUV, it has been produced by Jeep since January 2023, mainly for the European market. It uses the STLA Common Modular Platform, closely shared with the second-generation Peugeot 2008. 

My latest test drive was in the Avenger 4xe, the all-wheel-drive option in the Avenger range designed to handle on-road and off-road challenges while offering very good everyday practicality. My review car looked very smart in its Snow exterior with contrasting black roof and windows, rugged-looking front end, bumpers made from anti-scratch material that offers increased protection, 17-inch black alloys with green accents, black side mirrors, sturdy roof rails, and a rear tow hook. Green accents on the front differentiate this car from its non-AWD siblings, while a large black decal on the bonnet reduces sun glare and reflections, aiding visibility for the driver. It all presents, and is, a superb package with the ‘Wow’ factor. 

The interior is focused on comfort and space; you sit high and enjoy excellent visibility. An added bonus is the seat material, which is durable, waterproof, and washable, making the cabin easy to clean after muddy, off-road adventures. The dash features a free-standing 10.25-inch digital infotainment display and a similarly sized driver’s information cluster that is customisable and easy to read at a glance. Thankfully, physical controls provide easy access to key functions including temperature control, demisters, fan, etc, and a volume knob. Transmission is selected via buttons across the lower dash. The flat-bottomed steering wheel includes remote audio and voice control functions and a paddle shift for manual transmission control, allowing you to shift up or down without removing your hands from the wheel. Storage options include large front door bins, a decent area below the front armrest, some storage spaces on the central console, and a reasonable glovebox. 

The rear seats are suitable for two adults to sit comfortably, with very good head and legroom. There is a small transmission tunnel, a USB-C port, and pockets on the front seat backs, but no rear door bins or cupholders. Rear seats can split 40:60. The boot in the AWD version is smaller than in other variants, with a capacity of up to 325 litres, and the floor is height-adjustable. There is no spare tyre, only an emergency repair kit. 

AWD offers extra grip and is beneficial in a family car when dealing with poor weather conditions. The Selec-Terrain system enables you to choose Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand/Mud, or Snow modes to suit different situations, while Hill Descent control provides maximum traction and grip when descending slopes. Ground clearance is higher than the standard model at 210mm, and the Avenger 4xe can ford water up to 400mm deep for off-road adventures. 

The MHEV 48V (mild hybrid) powertrain of my 4xe AWD model delivers a total of 136hp, with two 21kW electric motors (one on each axle) paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Jeep claims an average fuel consumption of 4.6 L/100km, which I found to be close to the figure during my time with the car. 

The Avenger 4xe is available in Upland, Overland, or The North Face Edition trims. Upland features include an excellent reversing camera, a 6-speaker audio system, heated door mirrors, Adaptive Cruise Control, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, rear parking sensors, vulnerable road user recognition for pedestrians and cyclists, and wiring prepared for towing. No blind spot monitor, but it is available on higher trims. The Overland version adds LED tail lamps, velour mats, and privacy glass, along with 360-degree parking sensors (front, rear, and side). The top North Face Edition adds rubber floor mats, gold accents on seats, a Mont Blanc-themed dash, and a branded adventure kit. It also includes heated seats, a hands-free tailgate, and built-in navigation. 

On the road, I was able to achieve a comfortable driving position, found the steering quite light with little feedback, but all passengers travelled in comfort. The LED fog lamps include a cornering function, which I find useful. The Snow exterior of my car costs an extra €950 over the base price. 

Tested by Euro NCAP when introduced in 2024, the Jeep Avenger (LHD version) achieved three out of five stars in safety ratings. The Avenger is manufactured at the Stellantis plant in Tychy and won the prestigious European Car of the Year 2023 award. 

The Avenger petrol manual 6-speed transmission version and eHybrid start from €29,995; the BEV 156hp from €29,995 after SEAI grant and VRT relief; my 4xe Upland costs €39,995, Overland €42,995, The North Face €47,995. Motor tax for my 4xe is €200.

Dan Dooley Car Sales appointed Fiat & Jeep dealership

Dan Dooley Car Sales has been appointed an authorised dealer for Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep in Ireland, writes Trish Whelan. 

Located in Knocklong, Co Limerick, the dealership dates back to 1061 when Dan Dooley first opened his garage. Since then, the Dooley name has become synonymous with the motor trade in the region. 

Welcoming Dan Dooley Car Sales as a new authorised dealer for the brands, John Saunders, Managing Director at Fiat and Jeep Ireland said ‘their heritage, local reputation and unwavering commitment to customers make them an excellent partner for our brands’. 

The dealership will provide sales and authorised after sales for all three brands. James Dooley, Dealer Principal at Dan Doyle Car Sales, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Gowan Auto and to represent Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep and our team looks forward to introducing these products to customers and continuing our long tradition of offering excellent service and value.” 

Pictured from left to right: Ian Tolan (Head of Sales at Fiat & Jeep Ireland); Johnny Murphy (Sales Manager at Dan Dooley Car Sales); John Saunders (Managing Director at Fiat & Jeep Ireland); James Dooley (Dealer Principal at Dan Dooley Car Sales); Andy Dooley (After Sales Manager at Dan Dooley Car Sales); and Brian Higgins (Area Sales Manager at Fiat & Jeep Ireland).

Jeep Avenger CDV review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

They may account for just a small share of the Irish van market, but small businesses and tradespeople are spoilt for choice when it comes to purchasing a car-derived van (CDV), as many vehicle manufacturers now offer one in their line-up. CDVs are built on passenger-car platforms, so they offer car-like handling and comfort while providing extended cargo space and a favourable VRT rate. However, modifications must be carried out to an appropriate safety standard, and the Revenue Commissioners keep a close eye on compliance. 

My latest Jeep test drive was the Avenger CDV, available in both fully electric (BEV) and hybrid powertrains, delivering genuine Jeep DNA with all-weather and all-terrain capabilities despite its front-wheel-drive layout. Its compact dimensions of 4.08m in length, 1.78m in width, and 1.53m in height make it ideal for city use. 

Up front, the signature seven-slot grille and full LED headlights stand out, and the skid plates reflect Jeep's iconic personality. Painted alloy wheels are from 16-inch to 18-inch. The Avenger Commercial has a very decent cargo area, although no official payload figures have been released. This is a smart-looking calling card for a business or sole operator when visiting clients, as it will impress with its stylish design and practicality. The model name Avenger is displayed on both sides, and a blue ‘e’ on the left rear shows it is an electric car, as does the green flash on the number plate. The glass on the rear side windows is left in situ, but the windows are fully covered to comply with regulations. From the outside, it is difficult to believe this is a small van, and I had to open the rear door to convince a friend that it was indeed a small load lugger, not a passenger car. 

The cabin is a nice place to spend time in. Seats, with cloth/vinyl upholstery and grey accents, and Jeep embossed on the seat backs, were very comfortable and supportive; the driver’s seat has 6-way manual adjustments, and the passenger seat has 4-way adjustments. There's some extra storage in the pockets left in place on both seat backs. Other storage areas include a half-sized glovebox with an open shelf above, a deep storage area on the central console with a foldable cover and two cupholders, an area below the front armrest, and large front door bins. Both USB-A and USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad are standard. 

The Altitude grade features a 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless Mirroring. There are physical buttons for volume, defrost (windscreen and rear window), fan, and climate controls (single-zone). The transmission selector is a row of separate buttons mid-dash and includes a B for more regeneration to help charge the battery. There's an electric parking brake with Auto Hold. The customisable driver’s instrument cluster shows relevant information, with the current speed shown at the centre top. I liked the ’twang’ sound of a guitar chord when I indicated to turn. My car had a power tailgate and a big rear wiper. The retention of the doors’ interior trim and armrest indicates a conversion, as do the disconnected power window switches and, of course, a see-through, wire bulkhead, which, with the large rear tailgate window, provides excellent rear visibility. The cargo floor is height-adjustable, and there is a tyre sealant below. 

Avenger BEV delivers 260 Nm of instant torque; both passenger and CDV vans share the same 115 kW (156hp) electric motor and powertrain. Altitude has a claimed electric range of 394km WLTP (573km urban) and a power consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km; Longitude offers a slightly higher range of 400 km (580 km urban). Road tax is €333. 

The Selec-Terrain system includes six drive modes of Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud and Sand, as well as Hill Descent Control, giving it almost all-terrain ability despite being front-wheel drive. Both grades come highly specced. Other features included a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, heated and power door mirrors, connected services, Adaptive Cruise Control, vulnerable road user recognition for pedestrians and cyclists, an Emergency Response System, and a Mode 3 charging cable. The Jeep Avenger small 5-door SUV received three out of five stars in Euro NCAP testing. The BEV can fast charge at 100 kW DC from 20pc-80pc in 24 minutes. EV batteries are designed to last the Avenger's planned life. Jeep offers an 8-year warranty up to 160,000km. 

Customers can choose from the following exterior colours: Snow (my car), Volcano, Ruby, Sun, Lake, Granite, or Stone. Only the Volcano colour comes as standard; the others are an extra €950. The Jeep Avenger CDV was awarded the title Car-Derived Van of the Year 2026 in association with Continental Tyres in November 2025, following a vote by experienced commercial vehicle journalists who are members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI). I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want to return it after my test drives. 

Longitude BEV Commercial is from €39,108 (€30,627 net of grant + VRT Relief); Altitude BEV Commercial is from €32,964 net of grant + VRT Relief and at €26,800 + VAT.

 

 

Jeep rocks it with Hot Press

Jeep Ireland has teamed up with Ireland's iconic rock magazine, Hot Press, to electrify the publication's team travelling, writes Brian Byrne. A Jeep Avenger will transport HP's journalists and photographers to events, interviews, and festivals across the country.

The magazine was founded almost five decades ago and has become the leading independent authority on Ireland's music and culture.

The Jeep Avenger electric offers a rated combined range of up to 400km and is also available in petrol and petrol-hybrid variants.

Pictured are Stuart Clark (Deputy Editor of Hot Press), Nadine O’Brien (Marketing, Events and Social Media Executive at Hot Press), Ciaran Cusack (Communications and Brand Manager at Jeep Ireland) and Amrutha Soman (Marketing Executive at Jeep Ireland). 

Jeep appoints Cork singer as ambassador

Cork singer-songwriter Allie Sherlock has been appointed a brand ambassador for the Jeep brand in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. The move is aimed at attracting a young generation of Irish drivers to the brand.

Allie first gained widespread attention through her street performances on Dublin’s Grafton Street, and she also gained millions of followers online, leading to international performances and collaborations. She has appeared on major global platforms, including a memorable performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which brought her talent to millions of viewers worldwide. 

Allie has just completed her UK and European “Damage Control” tour, which concluded in Ireland, including a headline date at Cyprus Avenue in her native Cork.  She is currently busy working on her new album.

The handover of Allie’s all-electric Jeep Avenger took place at Dan Seaman Motors, a Jeep dealer in her home county of Cork. Pictured there are Allie Sherlock and Ciaran Cusack, Communications and Brand Manager at Jeep Ireland.

Jeep Avenger Van Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

The car-derived small van segment is less than 2 per cent of the overall light commercials market in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne, but there is still a buyer cohort to be served. In fleets, they can be supplementary vehicles for use where a larger 'proper' van would be inappropriate or inefficient. For small individual trades contractors, or retail with a light local delivery component to their business, or small service and repair businesses, they can be very useful. It's no wonder that Citroen, VW, Toyota, Peugeot, Ford and Opel still offer, and sell, van versions of their C4, Corolla, Golf, 308, Focus and Astra.

Now a new kid is prowling that block. And it's electric.

The Jeep Avenger CDV doesn't look like a van because the conversion retains the glass in the rear doors, simply blanking it out from the inside. The giveaway that it's a conversion, not a factory build, is the retention of the doors' interior trim and armrest, with the disconnected electric window switches. The back seats are gone, giving a floor at the same level as the lower part of the boot space. Since they left in that space's upper cover, it's a two-step cargo level. It's all very well done, with a neat finish in black flock material. A mesh protector is part of the deal, ensuring any cargo won't end up in the front in an emergency stop. As a piece of metalwork, that itself is a classy build. 

The conversion is done on the original car's Altitude grade, so the Avenger CDV's overall specification is high. I was also glad they didn't try to gain more load space by sacrificing seat travel in the front, so long people like me have no issues finding a proper driving position.

Since the Avenger first arrived, I have liked the overall layout of instruments, screens, and real switchgear for all the essential on-the-run controls. The quality, look, and feel of the cloth-vinyl seat covering and trim are good. So I was very much at home taking the van version to the road. The push-button transmission selection takes a while to get used to, but by the second day, it's second nature.

Altitude also gives the van the 17-inch painted alloys and body coloured detail pieces, which keep the car's stylish look. The rear skid plate is cosmetic because this Jeep is an FWD and is unlikely to be driven in any serious off-piste terrain. An off-road version of the passenger car is available, but the van isn't going there.

The powertrain is a 156hp equivalent electric motor, which I have already driven in other cars. At 9 seconds to 100km/h, it's not going to strip the tyres, but it's plenty peppy for any use I'd need. The rated combined range is a little under 400 km, significantly more if you're doing the level of urban driving where this van will be in its best element. I know from experience that the Avenger is a very comfortable vehicle for longer trips.

This could be a nice option as a personal car for couples who want to take a pair of folding bicycles for weekend greenway trips. I'd quite like one for myself, as our children and grandchildren are all grown up in other countries and continents, and there's no need to be able to accommodate them. It's still expensive enough if you don't have the business advantage of being able to hive off the VAT component. For that small business owner, though, the Avenger CDV is well worth consideration if usage and carrying capacity suit your needs.

PRICE: €32,964 inc grant and VRT relief; or €26,800+VAT. WHAT I LIKED: It's just a smart, stylish package. 

New Jeep Compass coming

The new-generation Jeep Compass will be coming to Ireland before the end of the year, writes Brian Byrne. The new version will be available with hybrid and full-electric powertrains.

The range will include a 4xe variant designed specifically for off-road, with raised suspension, off-road bumpers, and an anti-scratch bumper shield.

It will also feature heavy-duty seat fabrics and scratch-resistant surfaces, and the wheels are fitted with 19-inch rims and tyres with a higher sidewall, optimised for slippery terrain.

More details and pricing will come closer to the new car's launch. 

New Jeep Compass revealed

A third-generation Jeep Compass will go on sale in first European markets this summer with first deliveries to customers in Q4 2025, writes Brian Byrne. The vehicle will use the same platform as the Opel Grandland and the Peugeot 5008.

The C-segment SUV will be available with both hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains as well as three battery-electric versions, including an AWD variant.

Compared to the current Compass, the new generation offers extra interior space and more storage capacity.

First on sale in 2007, two generations of the Compass have sold to some 2.5 million customers globally. 

Jeep introduces common pricing for Avenger range

For the first time, the entire Jeep range in Ireland - including petrol, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains- will be available at the same price, starting from €29,995, writes Trish Whelan. This ‘common pricing’ approach removes the cost barrier often associated with EV adoption, ensuring customers can choose the powertrain that best suits their lifestyle without worrying about a price premium for going electric. 

Revised pricing of the Avenger range, over three trims for the petrol 1.2 (100hp) M/T FWD is from €29,995; this price also applies to the Hybrid 1.2 (100hp) FWD MHEV, and the electric BEV 158hp A/T FWD versions. The price is post SEAI grant + VRT relief as at January 2025. 

Customers who purchase the fully electric Jeep Avenger can drive it for six months, and if it doesn’t meet their expectations, can exchange it for a petrol or hybrid version under the brand's Peace of Mind guarantee. 

John Saunders, Managing Director at Jeep Ireland, comments: “By introducing common pricing and the Peace of Mind offer, we’re making it easier than ever for Irish drivers to embrace electric vehicles while providing a safety net for those still exploring this exciting transition.”

 

Jeep Avenger Petrol review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When the Jeep Avenger was launched in Ireland last September, it came only as an electric model, writes Brian Byrne. The brand's plan when they introduced this Europe-designed model was that it would only be an EV, as Jeep had promised an all-electric lineup by 2030. However, in line with equivalent other Stellantis Group models from other marques, a petrol version became available.

Recapping my overall thoughts on the Avenger from my EV version experiences, this smallest Jeep is a good looker, the squared shape and extended wheel arches suggesting an efficient use of space for those inside. The traditional grille in this combustion-engined version now has an air intake role again, while the very short rear overhang adds quite a pleasing back view.

Simplicity is the keynote of the interior. A tidy dashboard design, even if the infotainment centre screen floats quite high off the top. That item's widescreen format offers useful views in Carplay navigation mode, and in its home state is graphically well designed. Driver information is coherent and easily understood at a glance. I have mentioned before the practical piano-style switches for climate control and the clarity of the switchgear on the steering wheel. All good.

Though the external shape suggests a larger car, it's worth remembering that this is a B-segment offering, in reality a slightly larger urban hatchback with SUV looks. So for best comfort, four people is the optimum occupancy. And they'll have a somewhat larger boot space for their chattels than in related hatchback models.

The quiet swish of the EV experience is replaced by the muttering of a 1.2 3-cylinder petrol motor, rising to a growl when pushed and outputting just 100hp compared to the electric car's 156hp. The petrol Avenger is 354kg lighter than the EV version, thanks to not having that large battery under the floor, so the fewer horses didn't really impact acceleration. As both versions are FWD, lower the weight didn't actually make much difference to the handling, either, though the different centre of gravity could be felt.

My review car had the 6-speed manual gearbox, which in itself is neat in use and has a nice tall top ratio for motorway cruising. I did have an issue, which is common to other RHD manual cars using this Stellantis platform (and its PSA Peugeot-Citroen predecessor), in that anyone with a wider foot can annoyingly clip the footrest when pushing down the clutch. This has been a matter for RHD customer discussion over a number of years in other Stellantis brands, but seemingly not enough to cause the maker to change the footrest width or placing. There's a dual-clutch mild-hybrid automatic option available in the Avenger which obviously eliminates this, and that would be my recommendation to anyone thinking of buying the car. All said, us bigfeet do learn to attack the clutch at a slightly different angle, but it still feels awkward.

Though primarily an urban-centred car, this is a Jeep, and so does come with a slightly raised ride height and various traction control managed drive settings to deal with more rugged road and weather conditions. For managing downhill off-road slopes, hill descent comes as standard in the system. 

I liked the Avenger's place in the current EV competitive market when I first reviewed it. I like the car even better because of the sensible decision to extend the powertrain choice for those not yet ready to go the full electric route. It is all-European, but there's an American iconicity in the Jeep name and styling that should, the maker hopes, bring enough customers in Europe to keep the brand viable here.

PRICE: From €31,495. WHAT I LIKED: A sturdy style icon that's all about practicality. 

Iconic Wagoneer from Jeep here next year

A new all-electric large Jeep will arrive on the Irish market in 2025, following its planned US and Canada rollouts in the second half of this year, writes Brian Byrne.

The Jeep Wagoneer S is the first global battery-electric vehicle from the iconic brand, with a claimed range of more than 600km and a sub-4s acceleration to 100km/h capability.

The Wagoneer nameplate was originally sold as an SUV from 1963 for 30 years, and was revived in the US in 2022.

Specifications and prices for Ireland will come in advance of the car's launch here. 

AWD Jeep Avenger is revealed

A full AWD version of the Jeep Avenger is coming to Ireland later this year, following its reveal today at an event in Frankfurt, writes Brian Byrne.

The Avenger 4xe is powered by a 48-volt petrol-hybrid engine, and features a unique Jeep all-wheel-drive system and an automatic transmission, as well as a special rear suspension that provides greater articulation in off-road conditions. The powertrain comprises a 136hp thermal engine and two 21kW electric motors.

The car also has a selectable terrain function that allows specific powertrain settings for snow, mud, and icy conditions. The Avenger 4xe has a 10mm higher ride height than standard variants, and can ford up to 400mm depth of water.

Price and specifications will be made available closer to launch towards the end of the year. 

Jeep Avenger EV review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

I was recently able to slot the Jeep Avenger EV into my review schedule after having given it a first drive appraisal last September, writes Brian Byrne. I was curious to see if my generally positive thoughts then would be retained through the longer experience. In short, they did. Any issues were kind of niggling.

The style of what is currently the smallest in the Jeep brand's portfolio is attractive. Also practical, as the squared crossover rear treatment provides decent room for rear passengers in a B-segment car. The SUV-type cues are carried through the design, from an urbanised version of the Jeep trademark slotted grille to a body that seems to be riding high over the wheels, a perception accentuated by the black protector plastics all around — though it is actually lower than a VW T-Cross, for instance. The Avenger is wider than the Volkswagen, though, which adds to the strength sense the Jeep gives.

Inside, the designers have favoured simplicity, both in dashboard design and with instrumentation. The high-mounted infotainment screen might seem a bit intrusive to some, though in fairness I didn't find any real issue. I  particularly liked how the graphics on it, and also on the driver's instrumentation, are designed. Clear information, quickly assimilated. The climate controls are a row satisfying piano-style switches, and the manual radio volume control was particularly appreciated by my passenger. The switches on the steering wheel are all very clearly labelled, and familiar to anyone who has driven any of the current crop of Stellantis Group brands.

The unusual use of a horizontal row of buttons for transmission selection is on the face of it not an issue, but I found that when doing some tight space back-and-forward manoeuvring, their positioning was a bit of a pain. A rotary or lever selector is nicer and more intuitive. But the buttons work and you'll quickly get used to them.

The width I mentioned does translate into a possibility of three people in the back, though the reality of a sub-compact hatchback is that it's not size-appropriate for active family use. There's an adequate boot space for the segment, and this is a car that would be best used as a suburban-city runabout. That last is not to say that it won't hack a bit of mildly rugged terrain. Though not an AWD in any sense, there's electronic control stuff that will keep it from bogging on slippy grass or muddy driveways.

The car is powered by a 156hp electric motor and a 54kWh battery, with a claimed range of between 389-404km. In reality that's about 310km. Selecting Eco or Normal will trim back the available horsepower in favour of relative economy, but there's an adequate acceleration of 9.0s to 100km/h if you need to push it. Expect energy consumption of 16.4kWh/100km. The car's handling does have that flat feel of most electric vehicles, given the weight of the battery set low down. But it felt quite nice most of the time, despite being a small car weighing two tonnes, of which the battery is responsible for 339kg.

The Avenger is the first Jeep EV and initially that was all we were going to get in this market. But it was designed for combustion engine use in other markets, and now it seems they have added RHD versions on petrol, one of which I'm scheduled to drive in coming months. It will make an interesting comparison.

Meantime, yet another small EV is carving a space in a very competitive market. Numbers of the Avenger registered last month are in the scheme of things small, but nevertheless it is the brand's biggest seller.

PRICE: WHAT I LIKED: The outdoorsy design for suburban jungle transit. 

Jeep Avenger Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

The new Jeep Avenger is the smallest model from the brand available today, writes Brian Byrne, but it isn't the smallest civilian Jeep ever produced — that label goes to the Willys-Overland CJ-2A which sold for five years from 1945, capitalising on the 'hero' icon of the US Army WW2 vehicle. 

The CJ series vehicles were also the first mass-produced civilian four-wheel drive cars. Aimed basically at the agricultural vehicle market, passenger seats front and rear were optional extras. But they became the basis of rugged, go-anywhere cars that the modern Jeep brand epitomised for decades, albeit owned by many different automobile companies. Models evolved for different market segments played the adventure ethos, Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass and, prior to Avenger, Renegade.

Today Jeep is a Stellantis Group brand, and with is latest models is reflecting new directions for personal transport. In Avenger's case, increased urbanisation and the need for emissions-free vehicles for both health and climate reasons. So Avenger is the first electric-only model from Jeep, and is also aimed at great city driving rather than in the great outdoors.

Just recently launched in Ireland, first impressions are of a smart design that's not nearly as rugged looking as the rather larger Renegade — but still has a crossover tilt towards SUV. A style that makes it look bigger than it actually is in the B segment where it competes. It has a ride-high look that is partly illusion. The car's iteration of the traditional vertical-slotted Jeep grille is very recognisable. Strongly-sculpted wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and protective black cladding all around add to outdoorsy feel, though will likely be most useful against unsightly dings and dents acquired in the urban jungle.

There's a nice simplicity about the interior design, with a clean dashboard style. The centre screen is high-mounted but doesn't seem intrusive. A main instruments cluster is nicely recessed against glare. Audio volume and climate management are through satisfying and welcome physical switches. A horizontal set of PRND buttons for transmission selection is unusual, but does leave more centre console room for stowing stuff. For a B segment car, the rear accommodation is surprisingly roomy. Boot capacity is more than in the bigger brother Renegade. 

The power for the Avenger is a 156hp electric motor and a 54kWh battery, with a claimed range of between 389-404km. Up to 550km is said to be possible in purely city driving, which I have yet to test but in my experience with EVs should indeed be achievable.

The Avenger is not an AWD vehicle, but does have an electronic system that helps maintain traction in sand, mud and snow. A Hill Descent system is standard on all versions. As this piece is based on a launch introductory drive, I didn't have the chance to see just how well it might perform on grass and mud and rough tracks but I will when I get it for full review. These electronic terrain controls can be surprisingly effective.

Driving an EV used to be a novel experience, but by now I'm taking the torquey and quiet performance for granted. On a pretty hilly and twisty launch route, I found the car to be capable and with a definite fun factor. That it has already garnered the European Car of the Year 2023 accolade must have a lot of larger car companies muttering as they slurp their soup. As my pictures show, Irish Jeep distributors Gowan Auto are not being shy about capitalising on that award.

So far, on a relatively short experience, I rather like where this new Jeep is going. Avenger prowling the suburban jungle, without the growl of a combustion engine. 

PRICE: From €35,995. WHAT I LIKED: Silent in the streets. 

Jeep launches Avenger EV here

The new Jeep Avenger has been launched in Ireland at a starting price of €35,995, writes Brian Byrne.

The car is the first all-electric Jeep and is available in Ireland in three grades.

With a 156hp electric motor and a new generation 54kWh battery, the claimed range is 389-404km, with up to 550km possible in purely city driving.

The Avenger is not an AWD vehicle, but does have an electronic system that help maintain traction in sand, mud and snow. A Hill Descent system is standard on all versions.

All-around cladding is provided to protect bodywork in rough track use.

Jeep is distributed here by Gowan Auto, and head of sales Ian Tolan said the arrival of the Avenger is the start of a regeneration of the iconic brand in Ireland. 

Limerick's Dennehy Motors appointed Fiat, Jeep and Opel dealerships

Dennehy Motors in Limerick have been appointed dealers for the Stellantis brands Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep and Opel, writes Brian Byrne. The brands are imported and distributed here by Gowan Auto of City West in Dublin.

Dennehy Motors has been established for over 75 years and has gained a solid reputation for excellence in both the commercial vehicle market and the passenger car market. 

The dealership's extensive premises on the Dock Road in Limerick will now house a  new 11-car showroom and when building works are completed, the development will be the first site in Ireland to showcase the new Stellantis Multibrand House corporate identity.

Pictured are John Saunders, Managing Director of Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep Ireland; Rory Dennehy, Managing Director at Dennehy Motors; James Brooks, Managing Director of Opel Ireland; Alexis Moore, Head of Network Development for Opel and Head of Brands for Fiat, Fiat Professional and Jeep Ireland. 

New Jeep Avenger prices set

Jeep Ireland has set pricing for the new Jeep Avenger, the brand's first all-electric model, writes Brian Byrne.

The range starts at €35,995, with three trim levels available from launch in mid-October.

The Avenger was recently awarded the European Car of the Year 2023 title and was also the Best Family SUV in the Women's World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) awards.

The rated range of the Avenger is up to 400km, with substantial higher capability when used only in urban settings.

The FWD car comes with terrain and hill descent controls, as well as standard and optional advanced driver assist systems. 

Review: Jeep Compass PHEV - Brian Byrne, Irish Car

It has been a good while since I was in a Jeep, writes Brian Byrne, and though the second generation of the Jeep Compass has been around since early 2018, changes for last year have made it a car that surprises.

Slight modifications to the lights and bumper and a somewhat wider grille might not seem much, but visually they have tanked up the look of the brand's competitor to the likes of Nissan's current Qashqai or Toyota's Corolla Cross. Inside has been more substantially modernised, with the dashboard no longer a throwaway retrospective of post-millennium Americana. 

Pending the arrival of a new set of Jeeps to Europe, which will be spearheaded by the all-electric Avenger, the Compass is now the flag-carrier for the brand in the compact SUV segment, with the demise of the Cherokee. The Compass is built on a stretched version of the funky Renegade, but presents as an altogether smoother big brother. Think ballroom svelte instead of the morning after an Ibiza disco. Though the ballroom is a long way from where Jeep became iconic.

Anyhow, the cabin and its fittings in this Compass were quite top drawer, elegant and comfortable and styled with decent designer smarts. It felt a good place to be, and the feel of what seems to me to be a slightly slimmer steering wheel, along with its more modern switchgear, pleased.

The infotainment is a bright standup screen, with the virtual buttons tidily set on the bottom of the screen, and lots of real buttons and knobs for important functions. It took me a few moments to suss out again the radio volume action, on a rocker switch at the back of the steering wheel. Sounds tricky but works perfectly. While I'm at it, a single real button disconnects the dreaded lane assist. The autobox gear selector is still a hefty shifter of the old kind, the car not being new enough to have been given the Stellantis finger flick-switch as in its other brands.

My big interest was the powertrain, a plug-in hybrid petrol unit based on a modern 1.3 4-cylinder direct injection turbo and an electric motor that both provides a rated 50km of electric only propulsion and AWD on demand, with a total output of 240hp. The automatic transmission is a dual-clutch 6-speed produced by a Fiat subsidiary in Italy. It all worked in an eminently smooth manner through my time with the car, to the point that I took several opportunities just to go for a drive. And after some poor experiences recently with non-European cars, the semi-autonomous driving assist system in the Compass worked without causing me any aggravation.

There are two other powertrain options, a 130hp 1.3 petrol turbo and a 1.5 mild hybrid with similar output.

For various marketing and distribution reasons, Jeep has hardly figured in the Irish sales league for several years. But it is now now one of the brands which the newly high-powered Gowan Auto have taken under their wing. While it may remain a relatively niche part of their overall portfolio, with the new models on the way Jeep can only grow.

In the meantime, the revised second generation Compass is good enough to be building the base for that future.

PRICE: From €43,995; Review car €54,995. WHAT I LIKED: A rough-riding icon's everyday and very competent family crossover.