The trunk is decently-sized, but like many cars it lacks an inside handle, so every time you close the lid in winter, you’ll get your hand dirty. Yuck!
Power comes from Chrysler’s 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 that develops 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. The competition’s similar-displacement engines pretty much all have about 30 more horses and more low-end torque, and the Avenger’s V6 doesn’t feel happy under full-throttle acceleration.
Sarcastic comments like “good thing it’s called the High Output V6” were heard around the office water cooler. Still, it’s smooth and quiet at normal highway speeds. The 2.7-litre V6 is no longer available in the Avenger, but we won’t miss it one bit.
The R/T takes 8.0 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, which isn’t quite as fast as other V6-powered mid-size rivals. Then again, are you really in a hurry all the time? I think not. Fuel economy isn’t bad though, as we averaged 11.8 L/100 km.
The car’s 18-inch wheels and sport suspension provide a slightly harsh ride, but that’s to be expected when you choose the R/T model. Apart from a little suspension noise, so typical in Chrysler products, the Avenger is fine for long-distance commutes. As one passenger pointed out, maybe it needs a little more floor and firewall insulation.
As for the looks department, the mini-Charger appearance is fairly attractive. Its bulging rear fenders look cool but it cuts into the side windows and reduces visibility a little. What’s peculiar about the Avenger is that its body seems high off the ground; same goes for the Caliber.
The 2010 Avenger starts at $22,995 in base SE trim complete with 173-hp, 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic. The R/T has an MSRP of $27,295, while our test car includes the Hands-free Convenience Group ($790), stability control ($525) and chromed alloys ($500), for a total of $29,110.
Power comes from Chrysler’s 24-valve, 3.5-litre V6 that develops 235 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque, managed by a 6-speed automatic with manual mode. The competition’s similar-displacement engines pretty much all have about 30 more horses and more low-end torque, and the Avenger’s V6 doesn’t feel happy under full-throttle acceleration.
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| We like the heated seats that offer a good level of comfort and support. |
Sarcastic comments like “good thing it’s called the High Output V6” were heard around the office water cooler. Still, it’s smooth and quiet at normal highway speeds. The 2.7-litre V6 is no longer available in the Avenger, but we won’t miss it one bit.
The R/T takes 8.0 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h, which isn’t quite as fast as other V6-powered mid-size rivals. Then again, are you really in a hurry all the time? I think not. Fuel economy isn’t bad though, as we averaged 11.8 L/100 km.
The car’s 18-inch wheels and sport suspension provide a slightly harsh ride, but that’s to be expected when you choose the R/T model. Apart from a little suspension noise, so typical in Chrysler products, the Avenger is fine for long-distance commutes. As one passenger pointed out, maybe it needs a little more floor and firewall insulation.
As for the looks department, the mini-Charger appearance is fairly attractive. Its bulging rear fenders look cool but it cuts into the side windows and reduces visibility a little. What’s peculiar about the Avenger is that its body seems high off the ground; same goes for the Caliber.
The 2010 Avenger starts at $22,995 in base SE trim complete with 173-hp, 4-cylinder engine and 4-speed automatic. The R/T has an MSRP of $27,295, while our test car includes the Hands-free Convenience Group ($790), stability control ($525) and chromed alloys ($500), for a total of $29,110.
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| The car’s 18-inch wheels and sport suspension provide a slightly harsh ride. |