Dodge’s avenging diesel

DODGE has added a fourth engine variant to its JS Avenger series with the mid-sized sedan gaining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine courtesy of Volkswagen.

Producing 103kW of power and 310Nm of torque, this TDI unit is also mated to a signature Volkswagen item – the group’s famous Getrag-supplied dual-clutch sequential manual gearbox, otherwise known as DSG.

Dodge dubs its six-speed version DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and says it is capable of achieving just 6.2L/100km in the average combined fuel consumption cycle.



Available only on the better-equipped Avenger SXT model, the diesel with DCT is priced from $37,990, which is $4000 more than the 125kW/220Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol SXT with four-speed auto, or $1000 more than the 137kW/256Nm 2.7-litre V6 petrol SXT mated to a six-speed auto.

Buyers will still be able to choose the entry-level Avenger SX, powered by either a 115kW/190Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox for $26,990, or the 2.4-litre/four-speed auto combination for $29,990.

The front-wheel-drive, four-door Avenger was launched in Australia in August 2007 and is built in North America.

Twinned with the Chrysler Sebring, both cars are based on Chrysler’s global alliance small-car platform that has also given us the Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs, Dodge Journey crossover, and the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and Lancer small car, among other models.

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