The Avenger can handle up to 5 passengers however 4 will be more comfortable. Speaking of comfort, the seats which lacked support and comfort the first few days, turned out to be fair after a short while and more kilometres on the road. The trunk is roomy enough and generally speaking, visibility is good even with the presence of a spoiler on the trunk.
Chrysler engines
Of the three available powertrains (173 hp 2.4L 4-pot, 189 hp 2.7L V6 and 235 hp 3.5L V6), my SXT included the Flex Fuel 2.7L V6. In and of itself, the 2.7L is not a meagre engine; it provides sufficient torque and is operates smoothly. The problems is that it gets noisy when pushed, consumes a fair amount of fuel (nearly 12.5L per 100 km) and does not out-perform the competition's sophisticated 4-cylinder motors. It does have the advantage of being E85 (Ethanol) ready although it seems as though it will take some time before the fuel is widely available.
The 4-speed automatic transmission felt underwhelmed and even lazy. Truthfully, it works well enough but must not be rushed; it cruelly lacks the two extra gears and sharper programming that the 3.5L V6's 6-speed automatic transmission gets. To best benefit from the 2.7L and 4A, the driver must be a cruiser and not a racer. Ironically, the Avenger's aggressive appearance is betrayed by the drivetrain. This is not so when the R/T version is selected.
Midsize Chrysler on the road
The Avenger's high point is how predictably is behaves on the road. The car has firm ride that is still pliable enough to tango with potholes. At highway speeds, the Avenger gives off a strong sense of confidence through stability and overall good manners. Steering feels direct and is well assisted. I attribute the sharp turn-in to the low-profile 18" tires. The 4-wheel disc braking system performs with surprising gusto. The firm pedal is communicative and full of feel.
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| Chrysler's 2.7L V6 is noisy and not exactly refined. |
Chrysler engines
Of the three available powertrains (173 hp 2.4L 4-pot, 189 hp 2.7L V6 and 235 hp 3.5L V6), my SXT included the Flex Fuel 2.7L V6. In and of itself, the 2.7L is not a meagre engine; it provides sufficient torque and is operates smoothly. The problems is that it gets noisy when pushed, consumes a fair amount of fuel (nearly 12.5L per 100 km) and does not out-perform the competition's sophisticated 4-cylinder motors. It does have the advantage of being E85 (Ethanol) ready although it seems as though it will take some time before the fuel is widely available.
The 4-speed automatic transmission felt underwhelmed and even lazy. Truthfully, it works well enough but must not be rushed; it cruelly lacks the two extra gears and sharper programming that the 3.5L V6's 6-speed automatic transmission gets. To best benefit from the 2.7L and 4A, the driver must be a cruiser and not a racer. Ironically, the Avenger's aggressive appearance is betrayed by the drivetrain. This is not so when the R/T version is selected.
Midsize Chrysler on the road
The Avenger's high point is how predictably is behaves on the road. The car has firm ride that is still pliable enough to tango with potholes. At highway speeds, the Avenger gives off a strong sense of confidence through stability and overall good manners. Steering feels direct and is well assisted. I attribute the sharp turn-in to the low-profile 18" tires. The 4-wheel disc braking system performs with surprising gusto. The firm pedal is communicative and full of feel.
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| The Sport Appearance Package adds handsome 18" wheels and a rear spoiler. |