Europe slams Stellantis for cost cuts on safety after testing Jeeps new EV

Introduction

In a troubling revelation for Jeep and its parent company Stellantis, the new Jeep Avenger has been criticized for its safety shortcomings following independent testing. Hoped to be a savior for Jeep, described as a small electric SUV, the Avenger has gone on sale in Australia. However, it is already deemed a potential failure primarily due to safety concerns and questionable value for consumers.

The Jeep Avenger, a compact electric SUV, is being marketed with hopes to rival popular EVs such as the Tesla Model Y. Yet, the company's strategy appears to be faltering even before the Avenger hits its stride. The Avenger is noted for its front-wheel drive only, which has sparked confusion among potential buyers who expected four-wheel drive capabilities typical of the Jeep brand.

One of the biggest issues impacting the Avenger's marketability is its price. The base model starts at AUD 50,000, a price tag many consider too high for a vehicle of its size—measuring only 4.1 meters long, shorter than a Toyota Corolla. Jeep has even offered a $ 4,000 discount before the vehicle's official launch, a gesture that signals underlying concerns about the model's appeal.

Despite Jeep framing the Avenger as a robust option, reviews highlight its mediocre performance specifications. Sporting a modest 140 horsepower and a battery range of 396 km (about 240 miles), the Avenger’s charging speed of 100 kW also lags behind competitors that are achieving 200 kW or more. This performance comparison places the Avenger at a disadvantage against other more established electric vehicles offering superior range, better technology, and enhanced features.

However, the most alarming finding from recent safety tests is not just the Avenger's performance but its safety rating. The vehicle received a disappointing three-star rating from Euro NCAP, significantly lower than many competitors, including various Chinese EV manufacturers that boast a five-star rating. Specific shortcomings include inadequate side-impact protection and underwhelming performance in tests of automatic emergency braking—critical features that can significantly impact passenger safety.

Mikel van Renens, the Euro NCAP Secretary General, chastised Stellantis for a "clear lack of ambition" in prioritizing safety in the Avenger's design. Despite Stellantis’s assertion of compliance with stringent safety regulations, the Euro NCAP's findings starkly contrast their claims. The company’s response to the criticism has been dismissive, arguing that various inputs are considered in designing vehicle safety, while also questioning the credibility of the Euro NCAP assessment.

As scrutiny grows and competition in the EV market intensifies, the safety of the Jeep Avenger raises crucial questions about consumer trust and the implications for Stellantis’s reputation. The combination of high pricing, safety concerns, and an inability to meet consumer expectations positions the Jeep Avenger as a potentially problematic product on the market.

Keywords

Jeep Avenger, Stellantis, electric SUV, safety ratings, Euro NCAP, price, charging speed, four-wheel drive, value, performance.

FAQ

Q1: What is the Jeep Avenger?
A1: The Jeep Avenger is a new small electric SUV from Jeep, which is being marketed as a rival to popular vehicles like the Tesla Model Y.

Q2: What concerns have been raised about the Jeep Avenger?
A2: The Jeep Avenger has faced criticism for its safety ratings, receiving a low three-star rating from Euro NCAP, primarily due to poor side-impact protection and underperforming automatic emergency braking features.

Q3: How much does the Jeep Avenger cost?
A3: The base model of the Jeep Avenger starts at AUD 50,000 in Australia, with higher trim levels costing up to AUD 61,000.

Q4: How does the Jeep Avenger's performance compare to competitors?
A4: The Avenger has modest performance specifications—140 horsepower and a range of 396 km—which fall short compared to many rivals that offer better range, faster charging, and superior technology.

Q5: Why has Jeep offered discounts on the Avenger?
A5: Jeep has discounted the Avenger by $ 4,000 before its official release, indicating potential concerns about the vehicle's desirability in the competitive EV market.