Test Drive Dodge Avenger since 2007 coupe

Low shoes

The new Dodge Avenger is essentially a twin for quite a long time selling chrysler sebring platform common. However, manufacturers are positioning it as a car with American appearance, but European handling. Will the new Dodge sedan take revenge (Avenger Avenger) for the dislike of old light to the overseas machines?

 
On sebring, we already went, and he did not produce a strong impression. Typical product of the American auto industry is a calm motor, a non-retortic 4-step automatic, unbearable handling. Not surprisingly, because the main market for Chrysler USA. Avenger was built with an eye on Europe. Meanwhile, in Segment D, to which Avenger refers, players are serious. Europe is defended by Volkswagen Passat and Ford Mondeo. The Japanese are also stronger here and Honda Accord, and Mazda6. Yes, and the Korean Hyundai NF cannot be discounted. What will oppose Dodge?
 
Appearance Avenger is really American. Corporate chopped style like Caliber and Nitro models. Nuanxicing, of course, is somewhat different, but it is impossible to make a mistake of the beginning of the XXI century. At the same time, some elements, for example, accented hips, send Hi ancestors Charger and Challenger models. But the wheel arches are inflated, like today's relatives. Square jaws of bumpers, irregular shape of big headlights and, of course, the family gigantic radiator grille with a cross and argar is in the middle.
 
With the Caliber design was such a novelty, because for many interesting and attractive. And it seems appropriate Nitro SUV rudeness and aggressiveness-to-face. But for the Avenger sedan middle class is, in my opinion, too much. Why the huge overhang in close Europe? Hood space is not allowed to put a small 4-cylinder engine? They have climbed to two! The trunk has become much more? Yes, it really is great, but many of its competitors have a similar volume at smaller dimensions. Wheel size is quite suitable to some crossover (215/60 R17), lost in the huge arches. This would inch 1920. I do not think that Europeans zapadut for such appearance. Corporate identity has corporate identity, it must be read in the entire model range. But the attempt to pull it to the Avenger in this form are not entirely appropriate. Although the original, of course, this sedan can not refuse. Another such in the class no.
  
Interior Dodge Avenger also made in the corporate style. The same awkwardness, the same shades of gray in the decoration, the familiar three wells tidy. The front seats are very similar to those that are on the Sebring, with buoyancy back and almost without lateral support. However, they are not made of leather (leather is not possible even for a fee). On the test car seats were covered with an optional easily washable cloth YES Essentials. In general, the ergonomics right. But there are complaints. The steering wheel of rough rubberized plastic unduly large diameter and unpleasant to the touch, visibility back-side unsatisfactory blame high, sharply receding upwards, starting from the rear doors, window-sill line. The force on the shift paddles are too large. Less adjustment of ventilation vents on the eye is impossible to determine where airflow is directed.
 
However, the main complaint of the quality of finishing materials is very low. An order of magnitude worse than the Japanese cars, not to mention Europe. For a machine costing $ 33,000 is unacceptable. And any decent audio system, or refrigerated box above the glove box, or an interesting interior light a la xenon outweigh this disadvantage can not. But spacious five riders are placed without problems. Climate control copes with its responsibilities, the three traditional handy control ring, but the vents are not provided for the rear passengers.
 
It remains to check what Dodge is on the go. I'll tell you immediately, the car would have rode very adequate if it were not for an ancient slow 4-step automatic. Moreover (attention!) The direct transmission is the third, and it is on it that Avenger reaches eternity to the maximum 200 km / h. On the second one can accelerate almost up to 160, it does not save anything. Shift something particularly nothing, the gears are actually only three. In addition, when maximally revolts, the machine itself goes to the next step. It's a pity. Because the 2,4-liter world engine with changing gas distribution phases is very good. A car weighing one and a half tons would be enough 170 hp, and 220 nm. But the box spoils everything. It's a shame. It's a shame because the Avenger suspension is well customized, trying to combine American energy intensity and comfort with European handling. And, I must say, unsuccessfully.
 
The car is calmly copes with a different kind of irregularities, not seeking to report to the saddlers. And Dodge is managed not bad. Compared to Americans of past generations, explicit progress. Rolls are in reasonable limits, there are almost no rolls, on straight lines, if you warm up, it keeps smoothly. But sometimes at high speeds, on irregularities still requires infringement. Especially with the lateral gusts of the wind, sailboat is great. Avenger responds to turns of the steering wheel with low delays (probably it is the wines of high-profile tires). There are information on the ram, but it is not so much as I would like. But at least you feel behind the wheel of the car, and not behind the yacht steering wheel. At the same time, the sedan turns tightly cling to the asphalt. Despite my frank provocations, the ESP system most often did not wake up. Dodge reliably!
 
Reliably, but without breed in the habits. It is not surprisingly impossible, pouring the entire life of the boots, on the first attempt to sew excellent running sneakers. Nevertheless, Dodge's actions inspire respect, including the courage with which it attacks Europe. But one factories here can not do. European consumer is very detrimental. It is difficult to take it alone with a beautiful wrapper. He gives drivers, a large selection of complete sets and a quality salon. Something in what Dodge is still moving forward. But not enough for the price well for $ 30,000. Already, of course, not felt. But also not sneakers. Rather, low shoes ...

 
Prices and equipment

In Russia, Dodge Avenger is sold with two 4-cylinder motors to choose from 2.0 liters (from 752,500 rubles) or 2.4 liters (from 815,500 rubles). With a smaller engine, a 5-speed MCPP is supplied, and with 2,4-liter only automatic transmission. The initial equipment includes audio preparation, electric and heated mirrors, steel 17-inch discs, air conditioning, 6 airbags and cruise control. In the R1 version, floor mats are added, seats finishing with YES Essentials fabric, heated front seats, CD / DVD receiver and fog lights. In the top version of P2, the CD / DVD changer on 6 disks is also possible. Optionally, a metallic color is ordered, an electric hatch and a package of additional equipment Premium Convinience Group (rear-view mirror with autocession, automatic climate control, automatic switching on the near light).
 
Dmitry Krotov
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

A source: Magazine Motor [October 2007]