compact crossover – Pulpaddict

Jeep Avenger review

We get behind the wheel of the Avenger compact SUV – Jeep’s first battery-powered vehicle

Sharing an EV platform with its Stellantis group cousins – the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka Electric and DS 3 E-Tense – the all-new Jeep Avenger has caused quite a stir.

Not only is it the first Jeep to be created outside of America (designed in Italy, built in Poland), but it also marks the return of the Avenger name, which was once familiar to British buyers.

Older readers might remember that it once ‘graced’ the Hillman Avenger family car (later Chrysler Avenger and Talbot Avenger), which was manufactured in the UK between 1970-81.

So, this all-new, all-electric baby Jeep is a talking point. It’s also an award-winner, because it’s already been crowned European Car of the Year 2023. So, no pressure there then…

Starting at £35,700, it’s pitched right in the midst of a competitive sector. As well as its aforementioned in-house rivals, others include the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, MG ZS EV and Honda e:Ny1.

There’s no doubt that the chunky and cute Jeep Avenger is one of the best lookers of the bunch with its classic crossover shape.

Sporting short overhangs and extra ground clearance, there’s plenty of Jeep DNA with the signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, protective cladding and ‘X’ tail-lights.

Initially available as just a single-motor front-wheel drive (a dual-motor 4×4 version is also planned) with 154bhp and 260Nm of torque, its 54kWh battery is good for up to 249 miles of range (342 miles in city driving), while a 0-62mph sprint takes 9.6 seconds.

The Avenger’s 100kW maximum charging speed means a 10-80% top-up should take just under 30 minutes. Naturally, it will also charge fully overnight if you have a home wallbox.

Inside, there’s ample headroom front and rear, but it’s cosy in the back for passengers with longer legs. The Avenger’s 355-litre boot expands to 1,053 litres with the back seats folded, while accessibility is good.

The cabin itself looks pretty tough, but there are too many black plastic and hard surfaces, while the leather seats in our test car weren’t very forgiving.

It’s fairly minimalist up front, though thankfully there are shortcut buttons under the 10.25-inch central touchscreen for necessities such as climate control. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, plus a built-in TomTom sat-nav.

The driving position is on the high side, and it would be nice to have the option to sit lower, but you soon adjust.

On the road it feels a bit quicker than the official acceleration figure suggests, thanks to the instant torque. Wind and road noise is well suppressed, even on poorer surfaces, which is a feat in itself, because EVs run so quietly and the slightest sound is noticeable.

Overall, the ride is firm, but it’s nimble and handles well. Body lean is kept in check on more challenging roads, while the steering is nicely weighted. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of pedal travel before the brakes bite, denting your confidence to push on.

You can’t adjust the brake regeneration level via paddles behind the steering wheel either – instead you have to select ‘B’ mode on the gear selector or drive in Eco mode.

Without spending a week or so with the car, it’s hard to estimate the Avenger’s real-world range, but we’d say around 200 miles is possible and this should increase in an urban environment.

And as you’d expect from a cool compact crossover, the Avenger is probably in its element in built-up areas. Easy to drive with a fairly tight turning circle of 10.5 metres, visibility isn’t bad either. And where it’s not perfect, there’s a good selection of cameras and sensors.

What’s more, generous cladding around the car should help to cushion most car park dings, while the headlights and rear light clusters are slightly recessed, so that there’s less chance of damage there too.

In all, there are six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud and Snow. As ever, Normal is just fine, while Eco and Sport dull and boost throttle response respectively.

We tried some gentle off-roading and traction is improved slightly with Sand and Mud modes selected, which means it could be a next best after 4x4s in the snow.

However, the forthcoming four-wheel drive model will be the one to go for if you have to tackle muddy fields and more extreme conditions on a regular basis.

With hill descent control, short overhangs and raised ride height, plus 20 degrees of approach angle and 32 degrees of departure angle, it certainly has off-road potential.

Finally, there are three well equipped trim levels (Longitude, Altitude and Summit) and there’s plenty of scope for personalisation thanks to various decals, body paints, contrasting ‘floating’ roof colours and accessories.

Verdict: We really rate the Jeep Avenger – an impressive debut EV from the iconic American brand. Compact, cool and competitively-priced, it has a useful range, good charging speed and is more rugged than most of its rivals.

Jeep UK

First glimpse of the new Lexus LBX – free tickets

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

An underground car park has been transformed into an “extraordinary immersive light experience” to mark the launch of Lexus LBX – a landmark model for the brand.

The Extraordinary Car Park in Soho, London, will be open to the public from September 21-24 and admission is free.

This event, which is the second in a series of four LBX pop-up extraordinary experiences across Europe, will take place at QPark, 51 Poland Street, W1F 7ND.

You can sign up to attend the Lexus LBX preview event free of charge.

The Extraordinary Car Park takes the familiar process of driving into a multi-storey and looking for a space and turns it into an art experience.

Guests follow a walking route of discovery through LED arches and canopies of lights. Fields of undulating light bulbs spring into life, triggered by voice activation, and a display of LED batons pulse in rhythm with the viewer’s heartbeats.

The all-new hybrid LBX is the smallest Lexus yet, making it practical for daily city driving. Lexus hopes the baby SUV will appeal to younger customers and those who may not have considered the brand before.

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DS 3 E-Tense review

Our first drive in the 100% electric version of the stylish five-door DS 3 compact SUV

Originally launched as the DS 3 Crossback in 2019, this chic crossover was initially available with a choice of petrol and diesel engines (a 100% electric variant following a year later).

Fast forward to 2023 and not only has the car dropped its “Crossback” monicker and received a facelift and other updates, but it’s now a straight choice between petrol or electric power.

We’ve never driven the EV version (marketed as the DS 3 E-Tense), so here’s how it shapes up. But first, a bit of background.

DS Automobiles split from Citroen to become an innovative premium brand way back in 2014. Since then, the two brands have become part of the huge Stellantis Group, which also includes Peugeot, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Fiat.

DS’s competition department, DS Performance, has competed in Formula E since 2015, clinching the first team/drivers’ double world title in 2019.

DS Automobiles is now one of the premium arms of Stellantis with a fast-expanding range, and the new DS 3 E-Tense battles it out in a competitive compact SUV EV segment, though it’s arguably the most upmarket offering.

Not only is it up against its Stellantis cousins – the Peugeot e-2008, Vauxhall Mokka and upcoming Jeep Avenger – but also the MG ZS EV, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Soul EV.

On a technical level, the big change for 2023 is a larger 54kWh battery (up from 50kWh) and more power. As a result, the small electric SUV now offers a range of up to 250 miles (previously 212 miles).

Visually the DS 3 E-Tense’s subtle facelift delivers extra kerb appeal and improves aerodynamic efficiency.

The redesigned front end features new LED headlights and daytime running lights, plus a slightly larger diamond grille and new spoiler.

“DS Automobiles” is written across the boot, while the profile is as distinctive as ever with its shark’s fin rear window design and flush door handles. There are also new wheel designs and a total of seven body colours with contrasting roofs.

Inside, the most significant change is the updated infotainment system, which is easier to use than the previous version and it’s also more responsive.

There’s a 7.0-inch digital driver’s instrument display and 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

Elsewhere, the materials used have an upmarket feel. The watchstrap leather seats look especially cool and are very comfortable, but some of the quirky functionality does take some getting used to.

For instance, the switches to open the windows flank either side of the gear selector, while touch-sensitive short-cut buttons for the touchscreen, plus other essentials such as audio volume and heated seats, are all dotted around the central air vents.

For the record, there are four trim levels available – Performance Line, Performance Line , Rivoli and Opera.

The DS Safety Pack is also fitted as standard, and this includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assist and speed limit recognition – all helping to give the DS 3 a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.

Space up front is good, but it’s less than impressive behind where there’s only just room for adults and visibility is compromised, especially for small children, thanks to the fins on the rear doors, high waistline and thick B pillars.

The boot is 350 litres, or 1,050 litres, with the rear seats folded. Not class-leading, but enough for the shopping or a modest amount of luggage.

With light steering and a ride that’s set up for comfort, the DS 3 E-Tense drives well.

Naturally, there’s plenty of torque, but it’s not gut-wrenching like some other EVs.

The single electric motor that drives the front wheels produces 154bhp and 192lb ft of torque, taking nine seconds to hit 62mph (maximum speed 93mph).

The smooth power delivery results in a refined cabin ambience that fits the car’s classy character well.

You can have fun in the DS 3 E-Tense because it’s nimble and responsive, but you will experience body lean in faster, more challenging corners, so best not to get carried away.

Traction is good overall, though it is possible to spin the front wheels on looser or wet surfaces if you plant your foot from a standing start.

Traction is good overall, though it is possible to spin the front wheels on looser or wet surfaces if you plant your right foot from a standing start.

There are three drive modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. As ever, Normal is just fine because Eco dulls the driving experience, and though Sport livens things up a little, it does sap the battery range.

We’d estimate real-world driving range is probably closer to 200 than 250, which certainly makes it a practical proposition for most drivers.

The DS 3 can take up to 100 kW DC charging, which enables a 0-80% replenishing of its battery in 30 minutes. Plug it at home via a 11 kW AC wallbox and a 0-100% charge will take five hours, 45 minutes.

Perhaps the biggest challenge for the DS 3 E-Tense is its price. Starting at £37,200 and rising to £41,700, it’s a relatively expensive small EV.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a 100% electric compact SUV and you appreciate quality and style, then consider the DS 3 E-Tense. It’s not without a few frustrations and compromises, but it’s easy and fun to drive – and crucially – stands out from the crowd.

DS Automobiles

DS 4 review

Once in a while I get to road test a new car I know little about, and it proves to be something of a revelation. The stunning DS 4 is one such vehicle.

A cross between a hatchback and a compact crossover, the five-door DS 4 challenges everything from the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class to the Audi Q2, BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

And if you’re new to DS Automobiles, then it’s probably best described as Citroen’s premium spin-off sister brand.

Sharing a platform with other Stellantis group cars (eg Citroen C5 X, Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308) the DS 4 is available with petrol and diesel engines, plus a flagship plug-in hybrid.

Priced from £29,710 to £43,550, there are two trim levels (Performance Line and Performance Line ), plus a DS 4 Cross which complements the stylish design of the DS 4 with SUV-inspired styling cues, including side skirts, gloss black roof bars, front and rear skid plates and black bumpers.

You only have to look at the pictures to see that the DS 4 oozes kerb appeal. Its profile is rakish with a blend of smooth surfaces and elegant lines – there are also big wheels and flush-fitting door handles.

The front is dominated by a large diamond mesh DS grille, slim matrix LED headlights and sharp vertical, zig-zag LED running lights, delivering a unique lighting signature, while the rear gets a slim window and sexy rear light clusters.

All in all, the DS 4 has an athletic stance and if cars were judged purely on style, it would go straight to the top of the class.

It’s the same story inside where there’s a classy, hi-tech feel mixed with top build quality. DS does things differently and the uncluttered interior is a treat with numerous clever design touches. Who else would have thought of integrating the electric window switches so beautifully into the top of the door trim?

A special mention for the seats too, which are easily the most comfortable you will find in this price bracket. There’s plenty of space too, though taller passenger in the rear may struggle for headroom if you opt for the panoramic sunroof which eats into the roof space. Boot capacity is a decent 430 litres, expanding to 1,240 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Every DS 4 features a 7.0-inch digital driver’s cluster, plus a 10.0-inch central touchscreen which its flush with the dashboard, while higher trim levels get a head-up display that’s projected neatly onto the windscreen.

The infotainment system takes some getting used to, but after a while you get the hang of it. The home screen is customisable and there are short-cut buttons below, but sadly essentials like the climate control are not permanently accessible.

There’s also a twinkly 5.0-inch touchpad (‘DS Smart Touch’) down near the gear selector, which allows you to pre-set up to six shortcuts – each with their own gesture movement. It’s a bit gimmicky, but anything that avoids tapping and swiping menus on the main infotainment screen when driving must be a good thing.

To summarise, the DS 4’s infotainment system isn’t without its frustrations, but it will grow on you. If nothing else, it’s a thing of beauty – like the rest of the cabin.

I tested the entry-level DS 4 Performance Line PureTech 130, which is fitted a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It may sound weedy for a car of this size, but it’s surprisingly powerful.

Developing 128bhp, it’s a punchy little unit and a mainstay within the Stellantis group of cars (Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot too).

On paper it’s capable of up to 48.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are as low as 132g/km. Top speed is 130mph and its 0-62mph time is 10.4 seconds.

There’s a pleasant thrum from the engine when pushed, but such is the refinement of the DS 4’s cabin, it’s hardly noticeable in everyday driving.

Naturally, it’s in its element darting around in an urban environment, but it settles down well on the motorway too. Push it on more challenging roads and the engine will become a little more vocal and it will run out of puff. There’s a slight hesitation getting off the mark sometimes, but generally it works well.

If you want more petrol power, then move up to the 1.6-litre four-cylinder options, delivering 178bhp and 222bhp respectively, or the plug-in hybrid which offers up to 398.5 miles of electric only motoring.

The DS 4 rides smoothly and feels planted, while body lean is well controlled in faster corners. Just the job, considering this is a car that prioritises comfort over hot handling.

Drive it sensibly and it will deliver close on 50mpg on longer runs. What’s more, you’ll arrive at your destination more relaxed than many of its rivals.

You’ll also feel special, because the DS 4 turns heads (for all the right reasons), the interior is a designer wonderland and it’s a joy to drive. The best DS I’ve driven yet, it deserves to succeed.

Verdict: Test drive the gorgeous DS 4 if you’re in the market for a premium five-door family car that stands out from the crowd and delivers a tempting alternative to its German rivals. One of 2022’s biggest surprises, you may just fall for its stunning design, classy feel, comfortable drive and twinkly charms.

DS Automobiles UK

Kia Niro review

We test drive the Hybrid, Plug-In Hybrid and EV versions of the all-new second generation Kia Niro…

The Niro compact crossover is an important car for Kia. After the slightly larger Sportage, it’s the South Korean brand’s second most successful model.

A genuine game-changer when it was launched in 2016, it was available with self-charging hybrid, plug-in hybrid or 100% electric powertrains and offered practicality, peace of mind and economy at an affordable price.

Fast forward six years and more than 70,000 have been sold, while 55% of all Niro sales are fully electric. In fact, the e-Niro was the UK’s second best-selling EV in 2021.

The success of the all-electric version especially was no surprise, given the value for money it offered, plus that 282-mile range.

Now it’s time for the second-generation Niro. Again, there are hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions, and this time round it’s slightly bigger (65mm longer, 20mm taller and 10mm wider) and the interior features a higher proportion of sustainable and recycled materials.

Pricing starts at £27,745 (Niro Hybrid), followed by the Niro Plug-in Hybrid (£32,775) and the popular Niro EV from £34,995. Note, it’s no longer badged ‘e-Niro’.

There are three trim levels (‘2’, ‘3’ or ‘4’) and a choice of eight colours, with top spec ‘4’ models offered with an eye-catching two-tone paint option which features the C-pillar in contrasting Steel Grey or Black Pearl, depending on the chosen body colour.

Naturally, there are differences in spec and equipment between the trim levels, but as standard you get goodies such as LED headlights, rear parking sensors and camera system, a touchscreen display with DAB radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus driver assistance technologies such as Forward Collision Avoidance with car, pedestrian and cyclist recognition and junction crossing – and Smart Cruise Control.

Top-of-the-range ‘4’ grade models get a head-up display, twin 10.25-inch touchscreen, an instrument cluster display, heated rear seats and ventilated front seats, a power operated tailgate, electric sunroof, an uprated Harman Kardon premium sound system, driver’s side memory seating, and front passenger lumbar support.

There’s also Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist and PU vegan leather seat coverings, containing Tencel from eucalyptus trees.

The all-new Niro EV combines a 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and a 201bhp electric motor.

Torque is rated at 255 Nm, and it can accelerate from 0-to-62 mph in 7.8 seconds. More importantly, an electric driving range of 285 miles is claimed.

Recharging from 10-80% takes as little as 45 minutes – up to nine minutes quicker than the outgoing model.

In colder months, the system uses navigation-based conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a charge point is selected as a destination, which helps shorten charge times and optimise battery performance.

The Niro Hybrid has a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There’s also a 43bhp electric motor and small 1.32kW battery, delivering a combined maximum power output of 139bhp.

It can accelerate from standstill to 60mph in 10.4 seconds, fuel economy is up to 64.2mpg, while CO2 emissions are 100g/km.

The Niro Hybrid (and Plug-in Hybrid) also feature a new ‘Green Zone’ drive mode, which automatically switches to electric power based on location guidance from the navigation system, driver patterns, or manual selection by the driver.

Expected to be popular with business users because of its low CO2 emissions and tax benefits, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid uses the same 1.6-litre engine as the Hybrid, a larger 11.1kw battery (it takes about 2.5 hours to charge it at home) and an 83bhp electric motor, producing a combined 180bhp and 265Nm of torque.

Crucially, it has an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles – more than enough to complete the average daily commute in the UK.

The Niro Plug-in Hybrid can cover the 0-60mph sprint in 9.4 seconds, CO2 emissions are just 18g/km, while fuel economy could be as high as 353mpg (in theory).

Whichever version you go for, the new Niro is a much bolder looking crossover than the outgoing car with angular design cues and a hint of the larger Sportage. And those sharper looks continue to the rear corners which feature high-set upright boomerang-shaped lights.

The smart interior is attractive, and well designed, with twin 10.25-inch displays giving the dashboard a wow factor. Featuring slick, sharp graphics, the infotainment system is intuitive to use – something of a Kia trademark. Broadly speaking, the quality of the cabin, in terms of materials used and build quality, is good, but it won’t worry premium rivals.

There’s a real feeling of space and plenty of leg and headroom for adults in the back, while luggage capacity varies depending on the model chosen. For the record, the Plug-in Hybrid has 346 litres, the Hybrid gets 451 litres, and the EV boasts 475 litres. Flip the rear seats and you get 1,342, 1,445 or 1,392 litres.

You sit quite high in the comfortable seats so there’s a commanding driving position. Visibility is generally good, but those chunky rear pillars leave a bit of a blind spot.

The three versions of the Niro each have their own character. Naturally, the Niro EV is the smoothest and most refined of the trio.

It’s swift without being gut-wrenchingly quick like some other electric cars. And for a crossover with no performance SUV pretensions, it handles well (with the accent on comfort). Sure, there’s some body roll if it’s pushed, but it’s well controlled and it generally feels planted.

There’s good traction through the front wheels, while the all-round grip is impressive. There are various drive modes, and you can also adjust the level of brake energy recuperation using paddles behind the steering wheel. It’s worth playing around with them, but we found the normal/mid settings worked best for us.

The Plug-in Hybrid is refined too, unless you floor it and the petrol engine kicks in. Drive sensibly and the transition between electric and petrol, and vice versa, is much smoother.

There’s more than enough performance on tap for everyday driving and it works well with the six-speed automatic gearbox. Obviously, EV mode is a joy, if not as quick as it’s pure electric sibling.

With a firm suspension and sharp steering, it’s a lively performer and more agile than you might think, but as with the EV, it’s at its best cruising along.

The lethargic full Hybrid is the most disappointing version of the Niro. It’s not a bad car, but its shortcomings are apparent when it’s tested alongside the PHEV and EV models.

Not only is it down on power compared to its siblings, but the six-speed automatic gearbox can be tiresome. It’s fine at city speeds, but can become hesitant on faster roads, meaning the engine is more vocal, resulting is a far less relaxed driving experience.

On the plus side, it will slip into EV mode for short bursts in stop-start traffic or when manoeuvring, CO2 emissions are low, and the fuel economy is comparable.

The Hybrid has a slightly softer ride than the PHEV, and again is easy to drive. Just don’t push it.

The Niro hasn’t been tested for safety by Euro NCAP, but we’d expect it to get a maximum five stars (like the Sportage and EV6) because it’s packed with driver assistance and safety technology.

Finally, the Niro comes with a large dose of peace of mind because, as with all Kia cars, it comes with a generous seven-year warranty.

Verdict: The all-new Kia Niro family-sized crossover is a step-up from its predecessor, offering a winning blend of good looks, space, safety, practicality, generous equipment levels and comfort.

Kia UK