It's a big year for the Jeep brand. It's 85 years since the American Bantam Car Company and Willys Overland (later backed up by Ford) got together to create the original Truck, 1⁄4‑ton, 4×4, Command Reconnaissance (that was the original name - Jeep was derived from various sources, including the GPW production code used by the Ford-assembled versions). Indeed, there's a fascinating backstory whereby Bantam engineer Karl Probst essentially ripped up the company's initial work and redesigned the whole thing in a week, working flat out. However, I'm drifting from the point…
Enough with the history lesson already
Yes, sorry. So it's 85 years since the original Willys-Bantam Jeep was created, and Jeep (that's the modern-day company, part of the Stellantis Group and definitely not a generic term for all 4x4s. Ahem) is marking the year, in part, by updating its big-selling Avenger model.
What's new about the Avenger?
For a start, there are some tweaks to the styling. The famous 'seven-slot' grille (although original Willys Jeeps actually had nine-slot grilles, but again I'm wandering down history road…) now sits flush with the bodywork, and gets an optional light-up motif so it's more recognisable at night.
There are also new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel options (whose centre caps feature a stylised outline of an original Willys), and new bumpers with red highlights for the more rugged 4XE model. There are also new colour choices - Forest and Bamboo - and the option of a contrast black roof.
Anything new inside?
The overall design and layout remain the same, but Jeep says that the materials have been upgraded to a higher level of quality, and there's now a padded lower dash panel. There are some minor changes too, such as a red outline for the Selec-Terrain off-road mode switch.
Any new tech?
There are some new optional Matrix LED headlights, which should help with visibility at night, especially if you are heading off-road, and there's a new 360-degree camera system, which automatically selects the appropriate view for parking or tight off-road manoeuvres.
Any engine changes?
There's a small change in the fact that there's now a new entry-level 100hp version of the 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which also switches to a timing chain, instead of an infamous 'wet belt' system for longer term reliability and which extends the service interval out to two years and 25,000km. There's also a 110hp hybrid, the 4XE hybrid with its two electric motors and four-wheel drive, and the 156hp all-electric version, with its 52kWh battery and 400km range.
And the 85th Anniversary Edition?
The 85 Anniversary Avenger gets 85th logos on the front wheelarches, a tartan decal on the bonnet, which reflects the tartan seat trim (with its distinctive gold stitching). There are more 85th logos inside, along with 18-inch alloys in a black-and-gold colour scheme.
When can I buy the new Avenger?
Order books will open later in the summer.