KEY POINTS:
You really want to like it, don't you? The Dodge Avenger boasts a healthy dose of old-school American muscle-car styling cues, wears a cool name and looks like it provides a lot of stars-and-stripes metal for your money.
The entry model sells for just $33,990, while our SXT evaluation model is $38,990 but has a leather interior, a thumping stereo system and chunky 18-inch alloys.
Alas, things aren't quite what they seem. Don't confuse the Avenger with the American-market Dodge Charger, which looks similar but is larger and has growling V6/V8 engines and sporty suspension packages.
The Avenger is a modest mid-sizer - yet another example of the Chrysler/Mitsubishi/Hyundai platform that serves a multitude of models - and more a styling exercise than anything, since it's identical under the skin to the Chrysler Sebring.
Sporty it's not. The powertrain is harsh, although at least the Avenger is spared the indignity of the continuously variable transmission fitted to other vehicles on the same platform.
It has a conventional four-speed auto, which could do with another cog but otherwise goes about its business with honest efficiency. The suspension comes in what Chrysler refers to as a "European" state of tune for New Zealand. It resists roll and allows the car to turn into corners with alacrity, but lacks control over undulating surfaces.
It's an effective open-road tool, but far from entertaining.
The cabin has some neat touches, such as the fold-flat front passenger seat that liberates a longer load space than you might expect from a three-box sedan. But other aspects of the cabin are simply abysmal.
The build quality is bad beyond belief, with ill-fitting panels and jagged edges everywhere. The rear seat is reasonably spacious, but that cool kick in the C-pillar means that you won't see much out the side windows.
The Avenger is being marketed with a bit more scope in America than in our tiny market. There, you can have all-wheel drive and V6 versions, while European motorists also get a 2.0-litre diesel option. Don't hold your breath for the all-
paw version, but the upgraded engine options are under consideration. They could certainly add interest to the Avenger. As it is, we're stuck with a package that offers an odd combination of right-of-centre styling and middle-of-the-road abilities.
DODGE AVENGER SXT
How much? $38,990.
Engine and transmission: 2.4-litre petrol four producing 125kW/220Nm, 4-speed automatic, front-drive.
Performance: 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs.
