A Closer Look: 2011 Dodge Avenger gets updated, you just have to look closer

December 10, 2010December 10, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Compact Cars, Dodge Avenger, Sedans

Just when you couldn’t get enough of Dodge news, the 2011 Avenger, just like every other Dodge model, receives new updates to hopefully establish itself as a solid alternative to the competition.

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“From the ground up, the Dodge brand has reenergized and redesigned its 2011 model-year lineup to deliver vehicles with American design and the performance customers are proud to drive,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “Consumers will experience this renaissance when they drive the new 2011 Dodge Avenger. The Avenger offers tons of standard features packaged to fit almost any lifestyle, a new world-class interior with a new level of comfort and craftsmanship and a driving experience they’ll look forward to every day.”

Hit the jump to read more.

2011 Dodge Avenger:

The current 2.4L inline-4 has been retuned and mated to Dodge’s all new six-speed auto, offering 173hp and 166 lb-ft of torque and the top-engine choice is the new Pentastar V6, allowing for 283hp and 260 lb-ft…which is quite a lot for a car its size.

The original Avenger was quite woeful to drive, which is why its sales haven’t been ecstatic. The suspension however has been entirely reworked to provide a better ride and handling. The track is an inch wider, tire width was increased and overall ride height has been lowered to provide a lower center of gravity and a more aggressive stance.

On the outside, the Avenger receives a facelift where the interior has been reworked to provide a quieter, more comfortable cabin with more upscale materials. While, that may all sound nice on paper, we actually checked it out at the 2010 LA Auto Show and we promise you we mean exactly what we write.

2011 Dodge Avenger in Action:

Not much to talk about…but then again the Avenger has always come across as a bit pedestrian…mostly finding its way straight to rental car fleet status. But will the suspension upgrades, better interior, more potent engines and six-speed autocogs be able to rid the Avenger of its forgettable image? Only time will tell.