Avenger has Dodge styling

• Article
• Comments ()
• Click-2-Listen
• Videos

By Russ Heaps SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

A Charger Mini-Me of sorts, the new Dodge Avenger relies heavily on its chunky styling to set it apart from other midsize sedans. Replacing the Stratus in Dodge´s lineup, Avenger´s bold exterior lines look quite at home next to the Dodge flagship Charger. Charger DNA is evident in the cross-hair grille, quad headlamps, muscular rear shoulders and distinctive tail lights. And when decked out in R/T guise, Avenger´s 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and sport-tuned suspension deliver enough of a Charger-like driving experience to temporarily satisfy at least some of those Charger aspirers with budget issues.

Dodge provided the $20,220 SXT for this evaluation. This is the mid-range trim. There is also the entry-level $19,610 SE and the top-of-the-line $24,290 R/T. Spending another grand on the R/T adds all-wheel-drive. Only the R/T truly delivers sporty performance. Both the SE and SXT come with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four and use a four-speed automatic transmission to transfer engine power to the front wheels. Available as a $1,350 option on the SXT is the186-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 found in the test Avenger. This isn´t a huge leap in horsepower, but what increase there is plus the 26-pound-feet jump in torque at least provide a responsiveness the four-banger simply can´t muster. Not only does the R/T include the larger V6 as standard equipment, but it also ushers engine output to the wheels via a driver-shiftable six-speed automatic transmission.

The R/T is the only trim with standard antilock four-wheel-disc brakes. Discs up front and drums in the rear halt forward motion in the SE and SXT. An antilock system is standard in the SXT and unavailable in the SE. Tacking $950 to the SXT´s bottom line expands the features list to include four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, electronic stability control, traction control, beefed up suspension, daytime running lights, and hands-free communications capability. With the antilock disc brakes and a stiffer suspension already standard on the R/T, it only takes $740 to add the rest of these options.

Avenger´s four-wheel independent suspension relies on MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup in the rear. With the enhanced suspension available in the SXT, the focus is still on comfort, but things are a bit tighter allowing for more control in hard cornering. There is still some wallowing, but it´s manageable. If taking on the twisties is an important aspect of your driving, the R/T is the way to go.

Upgrading to leather seating will swell the total sticker price by another $925 in the SXT and $775 in the R/T. It helps spruce up the cabin, but still no one will mistake it for a luxury sedan. Two-tone plastic covers much of the dashboard and door panels. The layout is simple and tidy. No confusing phalanx of buttons to distract the driver; just the basic controls for climate control and audio. Even ponying up the extra $1,410 for the MyGIG multimedia infotainment system doesn´t introduce much complexity. Nearly intuitive in its operation, it combines a DVD-based GPS with real-time Sirius satellite traffic information and a 20GB hard drive for downloading CDs or MP3 files. It plays CDs and DVDs, plus features an auxiliary input jack for personal music devices. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls are also part of the package. The German luxury imports should take a lesson from this system´s simplicity of operation.

Passenger space isn´t a problem. Configured for four, the interior easily accommodates that many adults. The front buckets are comfortable and easy on the back. Lateral support is minimal, however. Utility rather than comfort characterizes the 60/40 split school bench-like backseat that folds down to increase cargo-carrying space. There is plenty of rear-seat head room and legroom. A rather smallish opening provides access to the Avenger´s 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space.

The less-than-energetic four-cylinder engine notwithstanding, even the base SE is nicely equipped with power accessories, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air conditioning, tire pressure monitor and a four-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack. Each successive trim level gets one-inch bigger wheels beginning with the SE´s 16-inch steel wheels. The SXT and R/T have alloy wheels. The SXT gets two more audio speakers, eight-way power driver´s seat and a fold-flat passenger seat. Among the R/T´s upgrades are automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated outboard mirrors and automatic headlamps.

Providing Avenger with some added personality is the availability of a few neat technological features such as the four 12-ounce beverage can "Chill Zone" cooler located in the instrument panel above the glove box, and the heated/cooled cup holder that can chill to 35 degrees Fahrenheit or heat to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These are segment-unique and should add to Avenger´s appeal for those who address their thirst on the go.

Simply stated, the Avenger is a competent competitor. It neither dazzles nor disappoints. Certainly not the most sophisticated in its segment, the Avenger nevertheless is a very solid sedan. Its rich inventory of standard features, available 3.5L V6, muscle-car looks and reasonable price qualify it as a worthy competitor in the midsize sedan arena. However, it´s sort of like taking your cousin to the prom; limiting your expectations will probably ensure a better time.