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John Mellor's GoAutonews The artful Dodge Avenger to pickpocket Camry and Co. from July By MARTON PETTENDY DODGE’S chunky Caliber hatch might not have set Australia’s small car market alight since single-handedly launching the US- German brand here six months ago but, if anything, that will only make DaimlerChrysler more determined to succeed with Avenger – Dodge’s answer to big-selling mid-size sedans like Toyota’s Camry. Launched globally last week in Spain and due in late July to bring the number of Dodge models on sale here to three, following the late June arrival of the Nitro medium SUV, Avenger shares its foundations with sister brand Chrysler’s Sebring sedan, which is due on sale Down Under early next month. Unlike the four-door Sebring, which will spawn a hard-top convertible derivative by late this year, Avenger will be priced at the sharp end of Australia’s medium sedan market and is likely to open its account at under $30,000 to compete directly with the top-selling Camry, which starts from $28,000. Cut-price Koreans in Kia’s Magentis, Hyundai’s Sonata and this month’s Holden Epica (also to be priced from $25,990) sedans will also be logical rivals for the allnew Avenger, but Chrysler Group Australia (CGA) will be keen to limit pricing overlap with Caliber, which opens at $23,990 for the 1.8 ST manual and $28,490 for the 2.0 SX CVT. Regional Manager – Central / North www.mellor.net A PRIL 4, 2007 Page 8 BMW Group Financial Services is a member of the worldwide financial services division of the BMW Group. Offering a full range of finance and insurance products to prestige vehicle owners, the company also provides wholesale and capital loan facilities to dealer networks. As a result of successful organic growth an outstanding opportunity now exists for a commercially astute and experienced automotive financial services professional to apply for this position. Based in Queensland and working from a home office, the Regional Manager’s role involves monitoring, analyzing and reporting individual dealer performance; conducting training on products, systems and procedures both in dealerships and at national training conferences, monitoring market competition and liaising with national sales company Regional Managers. Reporting to the General Manager – Sales and Marketing, the Regional Manager is responsible for managing BMW & MINI dealer networks throughout QLD & WA. The role will suit an individual with exceptional communication skills and a proven track record in developing effective business relationships. With strong analytical skills, you will be a self starter who thrives on achieving results through working closely with Dealer Principals and Business Managers within retail dealerships. Essentially, you understand the importance of delivering value added service to build these relationships, and utilizing your business acumen to assist dealers’ reach desired business outcomes. An attractive remuneration package which reflects the importance of this position will be offered. Apply online at: www.onetest.com.au/bmwfinance/ap12465 BMW Group Financial Services Exactly how CGA will do this, as well as offer “best entry-level pricing” and the “best power-to-price” ratio, as is Avenger’s global mantra, will be interesting. What is certain is that apart from price, Dodge will trade on Avenger’s bold design, surprisingly accomplished ride/handling and performance levels, and innovative features. To do battle with the base 2.4-litre Sonata (118kW/219Nm) and Magentis (119kW/221Nm), the entry-level Epica’s 105kW/195Nm 2.0-litre inline six and Camry’s sole 117kW/218Nm 2.4, the cheapest Avenger will come powered by a DOHC 16-valve 2.0litre petrol four from the midrange Caliber, offering the same 115kW at 6300rpm and 190Nm of torque at a revvy 5100rpm. Continued next page
John Mellor's GoAutonews The artful Dodge Continued from previous page The all-alloy Euro IV emissions-compliant “World Engine” features dual variable valve timing, dual balance shafts and square cylinder dimensions, and will be mated to fi ve-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions. Matching Sonata, Magentis and Epica’s 115kW/237Nm 2.5-litre six (auto-only) will be the same 2.0-based 2.4-litre four-cylinder World Engine as seen in the Caliber R/T, delivering the same 125kW at 6000rpm and 220Nm at 4500rpm. It will be paired with either a fi ve-speed manual or four-speed auto. Avenger will also offer diesel power, courtesy of the same 2.0-litre 16-valve DOHC four-cylinder turbo-diesel that powers the Caliber CRD (priced from $28,990) Volkswagen Group’s Golf, Jetta, Passat, Eos, A3 and A4. The cast-iron blocked oil-burner dispenses 103kW at 4000rpm and 310Nm at 1750rpm, and will be available only with a sixspeed manual from launch. Built at the Sterling Heights, Michigan plant, the front-drive fi ve-seat Avenger range will be bolstered in late 2007 by a 2.7-litre alloy DOHC 24-valve V6 that produces 138kW at 6500rpm and 256Nm at 4000rpm – the same powertrain to be offered by the Sebring convertible as standard. Going up against Sonata’s 173kW/304Nm 3.3-litre V6, the top-shelf Avenger V6 will come as standard with a six-speed adaptive automatic transmission, instead of the fourspeed with which it launched in Europe. Later this year a fi ve-speed auto will also become available for the Avenger CRD. Two Avenger specifi cation levels will be available here: SE and SXT. Australian details are yet to be confi rmed but in Europe the base SE offers 17x6.5-inch steel wheels with wheel covers and 215/60-section tyres, along with air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors, well-bolstered front bucket seats, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a fl at-folding passenger seat, Caliber’s “Chill Zone” refrigerated glovebox that holds four cans, heated and cooled cupholders and “sports-oriented” suspension tune. Standard Avenger safety features will include ABS, ESP stability/traction control, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring, seatbelt pretensioners, twin multi-stage front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The SXT adds a rear spoiler, 17x6.5-inch alloy wheels with 215/55section tyres and full leather trim. www.mellor.net A PRIL 4, 2007 Page 9 Optional Avenger equipment should include stain and odour-resistant Yes Essentials seat fabric, 18-inch alloys, a sunroof, a rear DVD entertainment system and the MyGig infotainment system comprising navigation, i- Pod compatibility and a 20-gig hard-drive that can store up to 100 hours of music (or 1600 songs) and pictures. Riding on a stretched version of the Chrysler Group’s JS platform that underpins Caliber, (as well as, in GS guise, Mitsubishi’s Outlander and upcoming Lancer), Avenger brings mini- Charger styling via a prominent crosshair grille, quad headlights and muscular rear haunches. As with Caliber, Avenger features subframe-mounted independent front and rear suspension, comprising MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link IRS. Steering is via a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system. For drive impressions, go to www.goauto.com.au from Thursday. On the track, on the road, and in your dealership, Mobil 1 is the name that stands for performance.
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