RAY MASSEY: Thrills and no frills from Jeep’s Avenger

In these uncertain times of tensions at home and abroad – from the cost of living crisis to the renewed threat of nuclear Armageddon – many people are understandably seeking comfort in the familiar.

And that goes for customers buying motor cars too.

Even global carmakers are sensing the unpredictable zeitgeist and acting on it with automotive comfort-blankets.

Many are now cutting back on production of pure electric cars and switching back to hybrids and even traditional pure petrol models.

This comes despite our political masters and Net Zero zealots insisting that even the most frugal, efficient fossil fuel-powered vehicles must be phased out in favour of more expensive EVs – for which there is still no adequate charging network nor sufficient demand.

Fitting then that I should be driving a new car from a brand whose wartime origin story couldn’t be more battle-hardened and comforting – Jeep. I’ve spent a decent amount of time with the new Jeep Avenger five-door compact hatchback – but not the pure electric or electrified hybrid versions. Instead, a straight-forward petrol model with a slick six-speed manual gearbox to boot. And, do you know what? I’ve really taken a shine to it.

Running on 17in wheels, my Jeep Avenger Petrol, in Altitude trim, is powered by a fuel-efficient 100hp 1.2litre petrol engine that offers an official average fuel efficiency of 50.4mpg. Acceleration from rest to 62mph in 10.6 seconds sounds middling but feels far feistier.

At a time when so many cars are going automatic, it’s the fun of working up and down through the gears which really lifts my spirits.

With front-wheel drive, it’s not a car for serious off-roading but proves nimble around town and, with a sporting lick on long-distance drives and country lanes, I really did enjoy my Jeep thrills.

Here’s another reason I like it. It looks different from the hatchback crowd. The smart cloth interior seating is supportive and the practical chunky dashboard matches the utilitarian vibe. It has a decent simple-to-use sat-nav on a 10.25in central screen.

The boot is not huge, but big enough for a family shopping expedition or soft bags on a leisure trip. Prices for the Jeep Avenger Petrol start from £24,359 in Longitude trim. My Altitude cost £26,999 while Summit is from £28,999 and the e-hybrid front-wheel drive version starts from £25,995 and promises 57.6mpg.

Born during the Second World War out of the US Army’s need for a go-anywhere military 4X4 reconnaissance vehicle, Jeep evolved post war into a civilian off-roader range. Owned for many years by Chrysler, it is now under the umbrella of the Stellantis conglomerate which includes Vauxhall, Fiat, Chrysler, Peugeot, Citroen and Alfa Romeo.