“The Avenger is an iconic model in many ways,” emphasized Daniel Calonaci, Head of Jeep Design.
The Korean Automobile Journalists Association held an evening media roundtable on the 4th in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, hosted by Stellantis Korea, featuring the development team for Jeep’s new model, the Avenger. The event connected media representatives from Korea, Europe, and the United States, with participation from Matt Nyquist, Vice President of Product Planning for Jeep in the U.S., Daniele Calonaci, Head of Jeep Design in Italy, and Marco Montepeloso, Jeep’s European Product Planning Manager.
In his opening remarks, Matt explained, “The brand strategy is simple. It is essential to protect the core values that began with the original Freedom Machine, the Willys, while expanding the customer base.”
Following this, Daniele Calonaci took over to discuss the design of the Avenger. He stated, “Jeep’s design studios are located in four places: São Paulo, Brazil; Detroit, U.S.; Turin, Italy; and Shanghai, China. All four studios participated in the development of this Avenger,” indicating the model’s importance.
Daniele also shared the connection between the Jeep’s original model, the Willys, and the Avenger. “The Avenger is the smallest model within Jeep, excluding the Willys. The concept we carried while designing the Avenger was to be cool yet technical, compact while incorporating elements of youth and fun.”
Daniele emphasized the intensive efforts made to create the Avenger. “We reduced the front and rear overhangs to create a small body. We made space for tires with a diameter of 692mm, achieving a ground clearance of 200mm as required.”
The Avenger embodies Jeep’s DNA. It must also guarantee off-road capability. Daniele emphasized, “We worked hard to enhance the off-road performance. As a result, the Avenger achieves an approach angle of 20 degrees, a departure angle of 20 degrees, and a breakover angle of 32 degrees.” This small vehicle carries the exceptional off-road capabilities passed down through Jeep’s lineage.
The Avenger is a pure electric vehicle powered by an electric motor and battery. Daniele remarked, “Designed to drive up to 400 km under WLTP standards. The goal was to maximize interior and trunk space. The side profile was designed to curve like an S-line, and the wheel houses were designed in an inverted U shape.” Additionally, aerodynamics improvements were significant, incorporating the floating filter applied to the Grand Cherokee and Compass.
Despite being a B-segment SUV measuring just 4.08m, the interior is relatively spacious. Marco Montepeloso, the European Product Planning Manager, elaborated on the Avenger’s interior.
“The Avenger measures only 4.08m in length, making it one of the smallest in the B-SUV category. Despite its small body, the Avenger was developed to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their luggage. To achieve this goal, the architecture was completely redesigned, moving the second-row seating position 30mm back. The legroom increased by 22mm, while headroom was enhanced by 37mm sideways and 70mm vertically. The cargo space is also among the best in its class, boasting a square shape with a capacity of 355 liters. The second row can fold down, accommodating a bicycle if needed. Various storage spaces inside provide a total of 34 liters, significantly more than the class average of 15 liters.”
The Avenger features a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. It produces a maximum output of 156 horsepower (115 kW) and a peak torque of 270Nm (27.6 kg.m). The Avenger is highly efficient. Marco mentioned, “It can travel 400 km under WLTP combined standards. However, in urban environments, it can reach up to 550 km under WLTP standards. Using a 100 kW fast charger, it takes only 24 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%. Additionally, just three minutes of charging can add a driving range of 30 km, significantly reducing charging concerns. We improved the range by utilizing a new motor to increase efficiency by 5%, adding a battery for a 12% increase, and enhancing aerodynamics and gear ratios for an additional 8% range boost,” he explained.
Furthermore, Marco discussed the durability tests conducted before the Avenger’s launch. “We performed a 4 million km driving test, ensuring it can endure extreme conditions from minus 30 degrees to plus 40 degrees.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr