Dodge to unleash Nitro and Avenger this summer

Two of the most striking cars to ever hit the streets will be launched this summer when the new Dodge Nitro SUV and Dodge Avenger saloon arrive in the UK.

Peter Lambert, Managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, said: “People want to drive a car that helps them to stand out from the crowd and still manages to offer great value for money. Our new Dodge vehicles deliver bold and aggressive styling together with masses of standard kit that make them both incredibly good value.”

With the successful launch of Caliber, Dodge is growing its portfolio further with two all-new models which are true to the iconic design of the UK’s youngest brand.

The front-wheel drive Avenger is a powerful yet practical saloon that shares its side profile with a muscle-car icon – the Dodge Charger. Muscular rear shoulders and 18-inch wheels all help set the Avenger’s exterior look apart from the competition.

There are two models in the Dodge Avenger range – SE and SXT. The range, which launches in September, starts with the 2.0-litre petrol Avenger SE priced at £14,995 and the Avenger SE 2.0-litre diesel is priced at £15,995.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine with a five speed manual gearbox produces 154 bhp and 140 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is a competitive 36.2 mpg*. The 2.4-litre petrol engine is available with a CVT automatic gearbox that generates 167 bhp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that was successfully launched with the all-new Dodge Caliber delivers fuel economy of 45.6 mpg* together with 138 bhp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque from just 1750 rpm, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Peter Lambert added: “In a world of mostly bland competitors, the Dodge Nitro has the design, engineering and performance to inspire drivers and shake up the mid-size SUV market.

“The Nitro boasts excellent overall performance and competitive fuel economy, as well as a comprehensive range of safety, security and convenience features including the new ‘Load ‘N Go’ rear floor cargo system.”

The Dodge Nitro will offer a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine together with a 4x4 drivetrain to provide customers with a safe, confident drive on slippery or loose surfaces and in poor weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow.

The all-new 2.8-litre common-rail turbo diesel engine is a four-cylinder, in-line engine available with a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission and is expected to account for more than 90 per cent of sales in the UK. Maximum power is 174 bhp and peak torque is 339 lb.-ft with a fuel economy figure of 30.1 mpg*. The 3.7-litre SOHC V-6 petrol engine with an automatic gearbox provides performance of 203 bhp and 232 lb.-ft. of torque.

*combined cycle.