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All-New Avenger Brings Dodge Attitude to the Midsized Segment

8 August, 2007

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  • Styling and innovative, useful features set Avenger apart in competitive segment
  • Broad shoulders allow owners to stand out from the crowd
  • 2 Years free full comprehensive insurance
  • Starting at $28,290, the third Dodge in our market continues the true value story

The Dodge brand is running on all cylinders with the introduction of the Dodge Avenger – an all-new four-door midsized sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with excellent fuel efficiency, innovative interior features and high levels of standard safety features.

“How good is this? The all new Avenger truly has Dodge adrenaline pumping through its veins. There isn’t a car in its segment that looks this tough - finally a car the consumer won’t feel embarrassed driving,” said Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Group.

From the front, there’s no mistaking Dodge’s heritage in Avenger’s aggressive exterior lines. The brand’s signature crosshair grille and large, modern quad headlamps add to Avenger’s menacing glare. The Dodge Avenger’s chrome grille with black texture accentuates the vehicle’s serious, almost sinister appearance. Twin stamped lines over the bonnet continue the vertical lines of the crosshair grille.

Dodge Avenger’s side profile shares more family characteristics with the Dodge Caliber and Charger. Muscular rear shoulders, a distinctive “kick-up” in the rear doors, large diameter wheels and tyres and a sleek rear spoiler on SXT models embody the Dodge brand attributes of bold, powerful and capable. Avenger’s long greenhouse is accentuated by black appliqués on the B-pillars, which make this sedan look like it’s pouncing forward, even when it’s at a standstill. From the rear, large, expressive tail lamp modules placed at the corners frame the boot lid and add to the bold Dodge appearance.

The all-new Dodge Avenger rides on a 2765mm wheelbase and 1570mm track, which add to its athletic stance, improve ride quality and stability and maximise crumple-zone space in the engine compartment to enhance occupant protection.

Impressive Interior Makes Bold Statement

Graphic design elements, which set the new Dodge Avenger’s exterior design apart from the competition, also are evident throughout the vehicle’s spacious interior.

Carefully matched textures and low gloss levels contribute to Dodge Avenger’s rich-looking interior surfaces. The instrument panel top pad and centre stack feature a “Franklin” grain with low-gloss finish to match the defroster grille, driver cubby and Dodge logo on passenger side surrounds. From the instrument cluster bezel to the climate control knobs, circles are a primary graphic element repeated throughout the Avenger’s interior.

Taking a cue from the Dodge Ram name, the Dodge Avenger’s centre stack features a V-like ram’s horn shape that surrounds the gated shifter bezel and serves as a design focal point. Avenger’s centre stack features dual heating and air conditioning vents. A large opening below the vents provides room for either the standard CD radio or the optional cutting-edge MyGIGTM multi-media infotainment system. On vehicles equipped with the UConnect® Hands-free Communication System (an after-sales option), phone buttons are packaged in the radio control head unit for easy access and a clean, streamlined appearance.

Space for People and Storage

Dodge Avenger’s interior provides comfortable seating for the driver and up to four passengers. The long wheelbase, wide track and skilful packaging results in a cabin interior that is extremely spacious. Maximum headroom is 1016mm in the front and 972mm in the rear, while legroom measures 1077mm in the front and 954mm in the rear. Shoulder room is 1433mm front and 1430mm rear. Hip room is a generous 1352mm front and 1351mm rear.

Luggage volume in the Dodge Avenger’s boot is a competitive 452 litres. Cargo carrying versatility is boosted by 60/40 split folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat. For smaller items, storage areas are provided in the centre console – with upper and lower storage bins topped by a sliding armrest – and both front doors, with a map pocket behind the driver’s seat.

Adding appeal to Dodge Avenger is the Chill Zone TM , a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger-side upper dashboard panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 500ml beverage bottles or cans. As well as Chill Zone TM , SXT models receive a heated/cooler cup holder.

Powertrains Deliver Excellent Fuel Efficiency

A choice of three engines is offered to power the Dodge Avenger variants sold in Australia: From launch, two petrol four cylinder engines, a 2.0-litre and a 2.4-litre will be offered. A 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine will be available in early 2008 for the first time in the Australian market.

In standard form, Dodge Avenger SX models will be fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), intake manifold flow control valves, dual counter-rotating balance shafts and many more features. A great entry-level option, this engine provides Avenger with the best power and combined fuel consumption among its key competitors. Mated to a five-speed manual transmission, this 16-valve engine provides 115 kW at 6300 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 5100 rpm. Fuel economy is a competitive 7.8 litres per 100km (combined cycle).

The optional 2.4-litre petrol engine with dual VVT is matched to a four-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, which gives the driver manual shifting control or full automatic operation. This 16-valve engine generates 125 kW at 6000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm, giving it the best power among its key competitors.

In January 2008, Avenger SXT will also feature an optional 2.7-liter V-6 engine, which produces 137 kW of power and 256 Nm of torque. The V6 is mated to Chrysler Group’s new six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick, which provides quicker standing-start acceleration. Smaller steps between ratios also make for a smoother, quieter ride, as the engine speed doesn’t change as often with each shift.

Chassis and Running Gear Make Driving Fun

Dodge Avenger’s chassis and running gear put the emphasis on fun-to-drive ride and handling. The sedan’s long wheelbase (2765mm) and wide track (1570mm) give it a high level of natural stability. The Avenger’s overall torsion and bending stiffness give it excellent on-road performance and solid feel and ride comfort, while allowing the body to remain tight and quiet.

The front-wheel-drive Dodge Avenger is built on the Chrysler Group’s latest platform. It features a four-wheel independent front suspension set up with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear suspension. Front and rear suspension cross members are isolated to the body to create a quiet ride, with less road noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) than previous models. The vehicle also uses world-class levels of sealants and sound-deadening materials to reduce road, wind and powertrain noise.

The direct-feel, power-assisted rack and pinion steering is speed-sensitive, with a 16.5-to-1 ratio and 11.13m turning diameter, making Dodge Avenger highly manoeuvrable. The powerful all-disc braking system is equipped with ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, backed up with state-of-the-art electronics.

Innovative Technologies Make Life Easier and Safer

In addition to Dodge Avenger’s bold, aggressive design and functional interior, this all-new midsized sedan also features a host of new technologies.

Many features set Dodge Avenger apart in this competitive segment. These include:

  • Chill Zone TM a storage compartment in the top of the dashboard panel that holds up to four 500ml beverage bottles or cans.
  • Heated/cooled front cup holder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 60 degrees Celsius or cools to 2 deg. (SXT only)
  • YES Essentials seat fabric – an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile that protects seats from stains odours and discolouration. (SX only)
  • Heated leather -trimmed front seats (SXT only)
  • Optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system that includes AM/FM stereo radio with MP3 capable CD/DVD player and six-disc CD/DVD changer
  • Auxiliary audio input jack for MP3 connectivity and play capability on all audio systems
  • Light-Emitting Diode (LED) interior lighting with high-focus white lights that provide directional lighting in both the front and rear seats

Cutting-edge Multi-media Infotainment

The Dodge Avenger also features MyGIG, an optional cutting-edge multi-media infotainment system that raises the bar on in-vehicle communications. This next-generation navigation radio features a motorised, flip-down 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colours. The TFT screen uses an active matrix for viewing from angles up to 180 degrees – perfect for the centre of an instrument panel.

The system provides a two- or three-dimensional appearance to graphics and animation, as well as multiple font sizes and styles.

  • A 20-gigabyte hard disc drive for storing map data for the navigation system, photos or up to 1,600 songs
  • Gracenote TM music-file management, which automatically adds song, artist and album information to the music files
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB) port that allows for the transfer of data onto the hard drive
  • Voice memo recording, which allows a message up to three minutes long to be recorded using the microphone integrated into the rear-view mirror
  • Display screen that can display movies when the vehicle is in Park
  • Capability to support three simultaneous audio output sources
  • UConnect Hands-free Communication System that uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-activated wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver
  • Functionality in six languages (Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish)

Safety Features and Structure Combine to Protect

Safety and security are a top priority among midsized segment car buyers in Australia, and the all-new Dodge Avenger offers a combination of class-leading safety features that are designed to keep occupants safe and secure.

“With class leading standard safety features, 2 years free Dodge insurance and an economical powertrain all for under $30,000, the third Dodge model to arrive in Australia stays true to giving value to the customer,” said Jenkins

Integrated with the body shell, Avenger’s safety cage is constructed with dual-phase, high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel components designed to protect occupants in all driving situations. Avenger’s extremely strong safety cage is complemented with a combination of standard safety items demanded by buyers in the midsized segment.

Active Safety

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
  • Brake Assist System
  • All speed Traction Control System
  • Seat-belt pretensioners and Constant Force Retractors

Passive Safety

  • Advanced multi-stage front air bags
  • Full-length side-curtain air bags
  • Sentry Key® Engine Immobiliser and Security alarm

Model line up

The Dodge Avenger will be introduced into the Australian market with two models: Dodge Avenger SX and Dodge Avenger SXT.

Dodge Avenger SX – from $28,290*

The Dodge Avenger SX features a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine mated to a five speed manual transmission.

Dodge Avenger SXT – from $34,990*

The Dodge Avenger SXT features in standard form a 2.4 litre four cylinder engine mated to a four speed automatic transmission.

* Please see technical specifications/pricing and options documents for complete standard equipment listing and optional extras pricing.

Dodge Avenger Pricing

Avenger SX - $28,290

  • 2.0L DOHC 16V 5-speed manual

Avenger SX - $30,990

  • 2.4L DOHC 16V 4-speed automatic

Avenger SXT - $34,990

  • 2.4L DOHC 16V 4-speed automatic

Avenger SXT - (Pricing unavailable until release)

  • 2.7L DOHC 24V 6-speed automatic

Dodge Avenger Production

Production of the Dodge Avenger began in the fourth quarter of 2006 at the refurbished Sterling Heights (Michigan) Assembly Plant in the USA. Avenger’s 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol World Engines are built in the state-of-the-art Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) plant in Dundee (Michigan). The 2.7-litre V6 engines are built at the Kenosha (Wisconsin) Engine Plant.

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