Earlier this year, Jeep unveiled its first-ever electric vehicle. Unfortunately, the Avenger is not meant for the American market, which means we'll have to make do with Jeep's PHEV alternatives, including the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, while we wait for the Recon EV to make its debut.

According to Jeep, the Avenger is too small for the USA, but we can't help but be a tiny bit jealous. As Jeep promised, the Avenger will make its public debut at the 2022 Paris Motor Show this week, and the American brand is hitting France hard with an all-new Jeep Avenger 4x4 Concept.

When the Avenger first debuted, we discovered that it rolls on the same front-drive platform that underpins EVs from Vauxhall and Peugeot. As a city-bound compact SUV, the range is more important than off-road ability, especially in countries where most people don't have access to a garage and a home charger.

But Jeep being Jeep, it just couldn't let a FWD model slip by without at least trying to make it more rugged.

"We couldn't help but wonder, what would happen if we injected the Jeep brand's four-wheel drive electrified capabilities into a compact package, while retaining the brand's unique design language, capability and personality," said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO.

So Jeep played around with the underpinnings and made the Avenger AWD.

Obviously, that wasn't enough, so the Avenger 4x4 Concept is adorned with tow hooks, wider fenders, and track and is equipped with larger, exposed, and more aggressive tires. Jeep also increased the ground clearance by nearly eight inches, resulting in approach, breakover, and departure angles of 21, 20, and 34 degrees, respectively. Not great, but a lot better than most pseudo-off-roaders out there.

The front end has additional body cladding and built-in floodlights for night driving. It also has a belt system for the roof that compresses luggage and anti-scratch treatment for the grille. As for off-roading, we've long maintained that EVs will make brilliant off-roaders for several reasons.

While it's a concept, for now, it will join the Jeep range at some point in the future.