THE mid-sized sedan segment is about to be hit by a bold new American. Dodge will challenge traditional Japanese players like Toyota’s Camry, Honda’s Accord and the Mazda6 with a sedan called the Avenger. The Avenger is effectively the same basic car as the new Chrysler Sebring, but has a very different exterior and equipment levels. A 115kW 2.0-litre manual base model starts off the Avenger line at $28,290, which means it comes in below the afore-mentioned models. That price also means the Avenger comes at a premium over the cheaper mid-sized sedans from South Korea such as the Holden Epica. Dodge is also offering the Avenger with a 125kW 2.4-litre engine only available with a four-speed automatic, starting from $30,990. A key to the Avenger’s sales pitch, apart from its masculine styling, is its high level of standard equipment, including electronic stability control and six airbags. Take into account the two years of free comprehensive insurance that is offered on all Dodge models and you can see why the Avenger’s competitors will be looking over their shoulders.