Test Drive

Dodge Nitro 2007 Review

What's wrong with a compliment: "Nice car, buddy"? I know only too well that today's youth are completely unaware of such delights as Dire Straits music, ice Snips and the Dodge brand car, the latest of which re-emerged in Australia last year after more than 30 years of absence. .

I know that beanies have evolved into more than just clothes to keep your head warm, that it's "cool" to wear jeans that are five sizes too big, and trinkets work for both boys and girls.

But do I have to be so up-to-date as to appreciate the comments thrown to me by some young house boys while I was touring Adelaide in a new Dodge Nitro?

"FAT. . . this car is totally awesome, mate. . . sick."

It was followed by a mixture of phrases from pale rappers who wanted to be, which included various combinations of words; "totally sick", "smoke it" and "dirty".

While there was little chance of actually "smoking out" a 2.8-liter five-speed automatic mid-size SUV with a common-rail diesel engine, I did think the term "PHAT" was appropriate for a reliable truck. Its flat front with grille says you're serious, while its boxy body on 20-inch alloy wheels gives drivers and passengers a sense of presence.

But the rappers were clearly only excited about the looks and knew little about the performance of the Nitro and the things Chrysler Group thought would help propel the Dodge brand forward with gusto.

The aesthetics of the Nitro were judged by the cool set, I was somewhat surprised when the very car-obsessed Minister Barossa later stopped me on the street to discuss its performance.

He was particularly interested in the towing capacity and maximum weight of the diesel Nitro towbar. A quick spec check confirmed it at 2270kg (brake towing capacity) and sufficient for his caravan towing needs.

The soft SUV will make a big impression on city streets and is unmistakable with anything other than a Dodge.

It feels good on the road and is surprisingly more agile than its imposing hull would suggest. Its performance on dirt roads is particularly impressive, although the tendency for the ESP to kick in is a little annoying.

The Load and Go sliding top is practical, as is the hard plastic rear luggage rack under the floor.

The Nitro is nothing spectacular on the road, but it is a real, reliable car whose main advantage is its distinctive appearance.

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