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| For a mid-sized sedan, the Avenger stands out in two ways: aggressive, sporty styling, which is borrowed from the Dodge Charger, and its fuel economy, which can manage as high as 30 mpg on the highway. The Avenger's new, redesigned interior features nicer materials and is quieter than in years past, and its upgraded styling and quality makes it a viable alternative in a crowded small car market. The R/T Avenger appeals to driving enthusiasts, and includes sporty suspension, leather interior and special exterior styling. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| For 2011, the Avenger is available in four trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Lux and R/T. The standard engine on all but the R/T is 2.4L 173-hp 4-cylinder engine, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission on the Express and a 6-speed auto on the Mainstreet and Lux. Standard on the R/T and optional elsewhere is Chrysler's 3.6L Pentastar V6, which makes 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes only with the 6-speed automatic.
The suspension also was given a redesign for 2011, with new geometry pushing the track width out to nearly 63 inches front and rear, with ride height dropping a half inch in front and a quarter inch in the rear. Dodge claims 26 of the 30 suspension bushings used in the Avenger have been redesigned, and with wider tires now used, handing is much improved over the 2010 model.
Inside, the Avenger features a redesigned dashboard, new colorful gauges and updated seating featuring new, more upscale materials and better spring assemblies. Dodge says 45 new or upgraded sound deadening treatments have been added, quieting the ride and giving a much more solid overall feel.
Safety features in the Avenger include multistage front airbags, active head restraints for the front seats and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard, as is Chrysler's ESP stability control system.
Even the base-level Express comes well-equipped, with body-color door handles, power heated mirrors, high-efficiency tires, new 17-inch wheels, an 8-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped wheel and automatic climate control. Other features across the line include air conditioning, power locks and windows, split-folding rear seat, Bluetooth, satellite radio and USB interface. The R/T features sport suspension as well as unique interior and exterior styling. The Lux and the R/T both feature leather upholstery standard, as well as heated front seats. An available Heat package on the Mainstreet adds unique wheels and trim, a hard drive for music storage, and a cell phone link. It's only available on Mainstreet V6-equipped Avengers. |
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| Model News |
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| For 2011, the Dodge Avenger sees a host of changes, including an exterior facelift, an all-new interior and a new V6 engine. On the outside, the Avenger has a new grille, revised LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the instrument cluster and dash are completely new and the seats have been redesigned with increased comfort in mind. Chrysler's 3.6L Pentastar V6 is also now part of the lineup, making 283 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Autostick manual control. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| Freshened sporty styling; safety; powerful V6 engine; long list of high-tech options |
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