We say An all-American car with brash styling and typically basic ride and handling.Performance There are three engines available on the Avenger comprised of two petrol units and a single diesel engine. The most powerful engine in the range is the 2.4-litre 167bhp unit that clears 60mph in 10.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124mph; however the smaller 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol is quicker to 60mph. The diesel is the best engine in the line-up with a138bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel providing more pulling power.Emissions The diesel returns 45mpg and emits 170g/km. Whilst that falls some way short of the figures posted by the majority of its alternatives, it’s way ahead of the two petrol options, particularly the 2.4-litre unit, which emits 211g/km in CO2 and returns just 31mpg.Driving With the diesel engine the Avenger pulls well at low end revs but the 2.4-litre petrol option disappoints. Overall however the Dodge saloon is ok to drive. It’s certainly quick enough to cope with most types of driving and is well weighted. That makes for controlled if unexciting cornering with little bodyroll.Feel The Avenger is a good cruiser because its suspension setup copes well with bumps and blemishes in the road surfaces and is generally smooth to drive. Around town however it’s not quite firm enough and takes its time to settle down after hitting speed bumps.Space The Avenger is quite spacious with plenty of room for four passengers and five at a push. There’s a decent 441-litre boot at the rear and a number of unique storage options dotted around the interior, including a cool storage unit for drinks which is cooled by the car’s air conditioning.Equipment There are two trim levels available on the Avenger and the most basic comes with electronic stability control (ESC), air conditioning and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. At the top of the range is the SXT trim which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trimmed seats and electric front windows. Essentially it’s quite a basic car.Price Prices vary quite a lot for the avenger however from new the 2.0-litre diesel in the top SXT trim retails at £18,400.Quality The interior is plain and boring; it’s also flooded with poor quality materials, too. There’s lots of hard plastic surfaces, drab upholstery and a horrible grey theme throughout. It looks outdated.Safety There are six airbags in the Avenger, including curtain airbags, as well as ESC and a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard.Pros The Avenger will stand out from the crowd because of its distinctive, American looks. It’s also practical in terms of interior space and comes with a decent diesel engine.Cons The interior is poor when compared to similarly priced alternatives; it’s similarly dull to drive.Alternatives Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia
