Test Drive Dodge Avenger since 2007 coupe
Avenger
It is, of course, it is not clear why the model is called Avenger, which is literally translated from English means Avenger. But it sounds good, somehow smasher. Yes, and the meaning in this name is more than, let's say in the Mazovsky motto Zoom-Zoom, which is capable of mentally a full-fledged person from equilibrium. In general, a number of automakers have problems with creative. Which, fortunately, do not yet affect the device and the moves of the machines. Here and Dodge Avenger, the former guest of the editorial board for three weeks, turned out to be quite friendly to people and a comfortable car, let and not without their cockroaches. Confident look
New Dodge recently bribed with their uncompromising appearance. From them literally pissing with confidence. A long hood, a wide radiator grille, a powerful bumper, is emphasized by rectangular headlights of the conqueror of unknown spaces, and only. Although there is in his appearance and something resembling the legendary American sports coupe of the 60s of the 70s of the last century. And sending over the back arch makes you remember the specific model of the VIPER supercar. Yes, this stylish plastic insert instead of the rear window, it enhances the feeling of aggression.
However, there is no doubt about us of the decent size of the class D sedan, the same suitable for business, and for family trips. The feed reminds the same part of the chrysler sebing (by the word platform at the models alone), but perhaps a little more expressive. And under the lid of the trunk, a bulkful 438 liter luggage compartment is found. Plus there is still a niches under the floor panel and in the sidewalls. But immediately draws attention and cons on the lid of the trunk, from the inside, there is no inner grip, so that it was convenient to close, neither the upholstery. Somehow unsolved! Remember, during the first official presentation, representatives of the company assured journalists that on Russian versions the upholstery of all inner cavities of the trunk will certainly appear. It may be possible for us not that copy but the handle on the castle, which allows you to open the trunk from the inside, there is: Americans had enough one tragic case with a child turned out to be locked in the compartment to oblige all its automakers such a handle to provide. And it is right!
Inside Avenger pay attention to the bright interior, which is its main and indisputable advantage. The company claims that the internal decoration is based on a carefully selected texture of finishing materials with a noble matte gloss, which make the interior of the model Dodge Avenger solid. The upper part of the control panel and the central console of the franklin matte plastic plastic, which is well combined with the trim of the lattices of the ventilation windows, the driver's seat and the Dodge logo on the elements surrounding the passenger. It is really well combined, but if you knock on the plastic with your finger too hard. It seems that Americans are determined, it is still there that there are European competitors, and they continue to insist on low-cost finishing materials and the absence of skin even on the ram.
Ergonomics of a driver's seat personally I also did not cause delight. It seems to be spacious, and the seat is equipped with all necessary in our case with mechanical adjustments. But you begin to find a comfortable landing, and you understand something wrong. The rabbar is adjustable both in height and flight, but still somehow not too comfortable. First of all, because the brake pedal is located above the accelerator pedal. As a result, every time, carrying a leg, you have to tear off the heel from the floor, which in traffic jams leads to fatigue and excessive tension in the ankle joint. Of course, after long manipulations you find a compromise, but I can't call the landing anyway. In addition, I did not like the bend of the back. Even if the roller of the lumbar back is completely blown away, the feeling that the rolling pin was put under the lower back, it does not pass. On the other hand, I admit it, it surprised me in a couple of days to the back accustomed. The same session of the new YES Essentials cloth is well clean and does not absorb smells.
The dials of the instrument shield are recessed into the wells, and the blue backlight makes them expressive and easily readable. The multimedia block in the center console is convenient: thanks to the icons, it is not difficult to figure the keys. At our disposal, the Avenger version was equipped with a built-in CD changer on 6 disks, which can also play DVDs and read computer files of different formats. Only here if the name of the MP3 track is Russian, on the screen there will be abrakadabra perceived only English words and symbols. The Optional UConnect Hands-Free Communication System will help save money to the future owners: a penalty for the conversation on a mobile phone behind the wheel without such a headset is 300 rubles. The phone control buttons are on the right on the panel. There is also no complaints to install climate control, it perfectly copes with the function assigned to it.
Rear is truly spacious. You can move the front seats almost until the stop, and still passengers will not be closely. True, what is the threesome on the sofa, we did not check, but two people feel very rapidly.
Sading chants We had the most popular version with a 2.4-liter engine capacity of 170 hp. It was aggregated with a 4-speed ACP (the only available option), which at first alerted. It turned out to be in vain. Despite the American origin, the automatic was pleasantly surprised by distillation. Electronics does not interfere with unscrewing the motor at least to the red zone, so the dynamic movement is easy to ensure. And let the difference of overclocking, it is not very impressive too much, but up to 60 km / h, the car accelerates quite rising. Moreover, the characteristic of the power unit is such that on the bottoms it is a real gastrcy (due to the system of changing the phases of gas distribution), and after 4000 rpm, turns into a roaring beast. The sound is aggressive, although perhaps it is too audible in the cabin. And the same automatic, even if it does not have a manual gear mode, is quickly adapted to driving style. It costs to quickly accelerate a couple of times, as even with not too strongly pressing the gas pedal, the motor will begin to gain almost limit turns. True, in this case, it is better not to think about saving fuel. During the test, the average consumption of gasoline, about which the on-board computer does not want to inform, amounted to more than 13.5 l / 100 km not enough.
At the same time, switching gears are noticeable. And both up and down. These transitions are accompanied by small jerks, which reduces the level of comfort and does not produce better on the smoothness of the stroke.
The smoothness does not contribute to the suspension of the Dodge Avenger. An independent type MacPherson (spring racks with gas-filled shock absorbers; transverse stability stabilizer with isolated supports), and behind also an independent multi-dimensional circuit with twisted springs and a lever-type transverse stability stabilizer. To the energy intensity of the suspension no complaints. For all the time, the test, we have come across quite deeply deepfish, and never reached the breakdown. Meanwhile, the irregularities of our asphalt are very tangible inside and, it would seem, in this case, the casual rolls should be absent. But they are. In addition, at our places, the vertical squabble is clearly noticeable, and in the corners of Avenger, although it rests at the canvas quite tenaciously, but sometimes it strives to leave the trajectory and drive the stern. Such habits are not typical for the front-wheel drive machine. It should be simply noted that already in the standard model is equipped not only with the anti-slip system, but also an electronic ESP stabilization system. However, it provides the driver of certain opportunities, does not kill his initiative for the root, as if watching the right whether he would come out of a difficult situation. It would still be the steering of fools, but from the edge to the edge, the ram makes the full three turns, although it is clearly traced to feedback, especially at high speeds. Yes, and the brakes of the model correspond to its dynamics they are powerful and efficient. Naturally, equipped ABS and brake force distribution system.
With whom he argues
Prices for Dodge Avenger begin with a mark of 722,750 rubles per version with a 2.0-liter motor. Modification with a more powerful engine, which has been tested, will cost at least 781,550 rubles. And this already means that there are companies such cars as Toyota Avensis, Peugeot 407, Ford Mondeo appear. In such a company, Frankly, Dodge with his American interior should not be too fun.
Andrei Osipov
Photo Dodge.
A source: Magazine Automotive News [April 2008]
