Should you buy one?

That depends on what you’re expecting to get from it. The front-wheel drive petrol Jeep Avenger might not set the world on fire, but it’s decent enough to drive and quite efficient – even if you do sacrifice a lot of space in the back over an equivalent Skoda Kamiq.

The manual is the one to go for if you’re a keen driver, but the e-Hybrid does a good job of blending the convenience of the standard petrol with some of the electrification of the Avenger EV. It can creep around on electric power in town and boosts the engine’s efficiency once you’re on the open road.

The four-wheel drive 4xe makes less sense. Not only is it £4,000 more expensive than the equivalent e-Hybrid, it also isn’t that much more capable off-road because Jeep hasn’t gone far enough with its upgrades. We barely noticed the extra centimetre of ground clearance, while the electrified rear axle was out of its depth when the going got rough.

If you’re looking for a small family SUV, you’d be better served in all aspects by opting for a Skoda Kamiq. It’s more practical, more comfortable, more spacious, similarly efficient and just as good to drive. Plus, the base-model is a few hundred pounds cheaper.

What we like

It’ll go further off-road than your average small family SUV – although a four-wheel drive Dacia Duster or used Suzuki Jimny will utterly embarrass it. There’s also plenty of space up front, it has a peppy engine and a reasonably comfortable ride.

What we don’t like

The Avenger doesn’t do anything brilliantly. Space is tight in the back and there are plenty of rivals that offer more boot space (such as the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq). The cabin plastics also feel a little cheap and the 4xe isn’t anywhere near capable enough off-road.