The glimpse of the refreshing of the Avenger follows very quickly on from the makeover given to its platform sister, the Sebring (now called the 200), and in maximising shared components and powertrains the Avenger's underbonnet lineup is brought into line.

Chrysler Group engineers have also reworked the suspension, including 26 of 30 suspension bushings. The suspension and the geometry, Chrysler claim, were completely rethought. The track is an inch wider, tyre width increased from 215 to 225 millimeters and the vehicle is 12 millimeters lower in the front and 6 millimeters in the rear for a more aggressive stance. Customers will feel more confident when driving the new Avenger because of less body roll, less vehicle shake, improved isolation, better steering precision, response and feel and the increased grip of new Goodyear tyres.

Under the bonnet the Avenger retains the poorly-regarded 2.4-litre ‘World Gas Engine’ but it has now been “recalibrated” (although the actual performance specifications have been omitted from Chrysler's press release, implying that they will be little changed), but it is available mated to a six-speed transmission, with the outdated four-speed auto relegated to fleet purchases. Avenger customers can also opt for the new, and better-regarded, Pentastar V6 engine fitted up to a six-speed automatic transmission that gives a best-in-class 283 horsepower (an increase of 20 percent compared with the engine it replaces) and 260 lb/ft of torque (an increase of 12 percent) combined with competitive fuel economy.

On the outside there are a few cosmetic changes, the car receiving a new front and rear clip, including the Dodge brand's new ‘split crosshair’ grille, as the traditional Ram logo is now reserved for the split-away truck division. An ill\-shaped boot spoiler is unlikely to be specified by customers in the showrooms but breaks up the cleanness of the view in the images. However, visually, it is on the inside where the biggest changes occur, as Chrysler's designers have junked the incumbent interior. The swathe of changes kick off with a new instrument panel, bezels, gauge faces and new steering wheel. Upgraded seats incorporate more cushioning material and revised spring geometry. The Avenger also features several new two-tone interior colour schemes, new leather and cloth seating materials and accent stitching. The facelift models have new 'soft touch' armrests and instrument panels, and redesigned heating and cooling outlets in the instrument panel to make them more appealing and more functional. The reworked Avenger also offers one of the quietest cabins in the segment with 45 new or upgraded sound-deadening treatments integrated throughout the vehicle.

Other cabin features include new ambient interior lighting and a new multi-function three-spoke Dodge steering wheel with integrated controls that allows drivers to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping their hands on the wheel. Available technology includes voice command functions for hands-free phones, integrated USB port for streaming music, navigation and memo record, an iPod/MP3 jack, Bluetooth streaming music, music identification, a hard drive that stores approximately 6,700 songs and remote start.

The standard mid-size sedan segment is the largest vehicle segment in the United States, with more than 1.6 million vehicles sold in 2009, and Chrysler Group will be hoping that this facelifted model can start to entice customers in the way the outgoing Avenger simply never could. It will be built at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and will arrive in dealerships in the fourth quarter this year.

The second Dodge model to be given a makeover is the Grand Caravan, which is the platform sister of the Chrysler Town & Country, and follows the changes recently announced to that model. The main change is the installation of the new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine mated up to a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination replaces all three of the previous minivan engines: 3.3-litre, 3.8-litre and 4.0-litre. With the Pentastar engine, the overhauled Grand Caravan delivers best-in-class horsepower (283 hp compared with 197 hp in the previous 3.8-litre V-6 engine) and more torque (260 lb/ft versus 230 lb/ft.) without sacrificing fuel economy. It features a new driver-selectable Fuel Economizer Mode. With the flip of a switch, drivers can change the transmission shift schedule to maximize their fuel efficiency. In addition, a 12-millimetre lower ride height, new premium, lower-rolling resistance tyres, a new spoiler and reduced brake caliper and rear bearing drag all contribute to Dodge Grand Caravan’s excellent fuel economy.

On the outside there are the usual cosmetic changes at the front and rear, including a new tailgate, LED rear lights and the ‘split crosshair’ grille. Inside, as with the Avenger, there are substantial revisions including a new one-piece instrument panel, better ergonomics, improved storage space, revised and larger Stow 'n Go seats, improved materials and softer-touch plastics.

Standard safety and security features include front-seat-mounted side airbags, a new driver-side knee-blocker airbag, supplemental three-row side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring and remote keyless entry. The available Safety Sphere package of features includes ParkSense rear park assist system, a rear back-up camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection system, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps.