Jeep is expanding the line-up for its Avenger crossover with new mild hybrid and petrol versions, which join the existing fully electric model.

While Jeep has pledged for all its vehicles to offer an electrified variant by 2025, it says it’s also working to provide customers with the flexibility to choose from different powertrains

The baby SUV, recently crowned European Car of the Year 2023, gains a mild hybrid petrol, featuring a 100hp 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol married up with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring an integrated 29hp electric motor and with accompanying steering wheel paddles.

Already seen in other Stellantis models, its 48V mild hybrid technology offers additional torque at low speeds along with up to a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to a conventional combustion engine with an automatic transmission. It’s expected to have CO2 emissions of up to 114g/km and 46mpg WLTP combined.

The Avenger e-Hybrid will also debut new features including a sunroof, powered driver’s seat with massage function and plus a 7-inch driver’s display (a 10.25-inch screen is optional). It will be available in the same Longitude, Altitude and Summit grades as the EV and drivers will also be able to choose from two new connected services packs.

A limited-edition petrol is also on the way; the Avenger Altitude Plus features the 100hp 1.2-litre turbo petrol from the mild hybrid variant, married up with a manual transmission and delivering max torque of 205Nm while returning around 42mpg (WLTP). It will come with high-end features as standard, including navigation, reversing camera, JBL-branded eight-speaker premium audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, front and rear velour carpet mats, blind spot monitoring and automatic high beam headlights.

These join the fully electric version of the Avenger, the American brand’s first-ever fully electric model, which launched this summer, “packing the brand’s DNA into a compact SUV with a unique combination of capability, style, functionality and technology”.

The Avenger EV delivers up to 248 miles WLTP combined, 156hp of power and a 100kW rapid charging rate. It’s available in three trims, priced from £35,700.

Jeep’s electrification plan started in Europe at the end of 2020, accelerated by the arrival of the 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of the Compass, Renegade and, more recently, the new Grand Cherokee.

While Jeep has pledged for all its vehicles to offer an electrified variant by 2025, it says it’s also working to provide customers with the flexibility to choose from different powertrains under its “enduring commitment to freedom of choice”.

Eric Laforge, head of the Jeep brand in Europe, said: “Jeep’s history of versatile vehicles embodies the freedom of choice for customers, reflecting the brand’s commitment to diversity in its expanded vehicle line-up. The new Avenger e-Hybrid represents another step towards electrification as an eco-friendly vehicle, intentionally crafted and promoted as an inclusive choice for a wide spectrum of customers, who are still looking for capability, style, state-of-the-art technology and comfort in a compact dimension.”

The e-Hybrid mild hybrid opens for orders in December, with first deliveries expected from Q2 2024, while the limited-edition Avenger Altitude Plus petrol also arrives in December. Prices and official performance and economy figures are yet to be announced.