First look: Avenger spreads Dodge’s wings

DODGE staged its Australian market comeback in August via the small but striking Caliber hatch, which will be joined by the equally chunky Nitro medium SUV in 2007.

Now the next piece in the DaimlerChrysler brand’s model puzzle has emerged.

Officially revealed today ahead of its global debut at the Paris motor show on September 28, the Avenger sedan concept will form the basis for Dodge’s third model to be launched here – not long after sister brand Chrysler’s similarly-sized redesigned Sebring medium sedan.

The all-new Sebring was revealed at the London motor show in July and is expected to join the popular 300C sedan on sale here by around October next year, as Chrysler’s answer to the likes of Toyota’s Camry.

If approved, a production version of the Avenger, which is also sized somewhere between Camry and Commodore, could also join Australia’s Dodge range by the end of 2007 and is likely to carry a lower pricetag than the Sebring.

As the official pictures show, Avenger presents a bold crosshair grille like Caliber’s, as well as boldly flared wheelarches and, like Sebring, a rising shoulder line and rounded roof profile. But Avenger also carries many styling cues from Dodge’s large Charger sedan, which is unlikely to be sold here.

Badged as an R/T and featuring an aggressive front bumper with large air-intakes and foglights, heavily tinted glass, twin exhaust outlets and red brake calipers, the Avenger concept is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel similar to the one that will become an option for Caliber from November.

It’s expected to be the engine of choice in Europe, hence its employment in the Paris show car.

"If it was produced I think there would be a market for the Avenger in Australia alongside the Sebring," according to public relations manager for Chrysler and Jeep in Australia, Simon Johnson.

"We produce concepts to judge public reaction. (But) a lot of concepts have gone into production because of the positive response they have received." According to Dodge, Avenger was designed for global appeal and "brings Dodge brand heritage in to the D-segment (mid-sized sedan market)".

"(Avenger) will appeal to car buyers around the world who need the practicality, functionality and fuel efficiency of a mid-size sedan, but want more, including a vehicle with pizzazz that stands out and makes a statement," according to the press release.

"Avenger’s bold Dodge styling, innovative features and solid performance would allow them to do just that. The Avenger concept hints at the next-generation global D-segment vehicle from Dodge." Beyond the 2.0-litre diesel and 2.4-litre petrol RT variants of the Caliber due here in November, a flagship Caliber SRT4 is expected on sale in Australia in 2007 if it gets the right-hand drive production go-ahead.

Following the Nitro SUV and Avenger sedan in 2007, Dodge’s compact Hornet hatch should morph into a production model slot beneath Caliber by 2008 – the same year Dodge’s sleek Challenger coupe concept is expected to emerge in production guise.

Sister brand Jeep will also offer a bevy of new models in 2007, starting in March with the compact Compass soft-roader and new four-door Wrangler models around March.

Although the Compass will be aimed at the likes of Toyota’s RAV4, it will be joined by a more serious compact off-roader in the Patriot SUV, due in the third quarter of 2007 and powered by a new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel powerplant.

What’s coming from Dodge:
Caliber 2.4 R/T	November
Caliber SRT-4	2007
Nitro medium 4WD	2007
Avenger medium sedan	2007
Hornet light hatch	2008
Challenger coupe	2008