Assault on conformity (Philippines)
Thursday, 26 March 2009
DRIVE LOUD AND LOOK THE PART No matter the view, the Dodge Nitro’s shape calls attention in a big way, whether it’s the hot-rod look, the aggressive fender flares or the 20-inch chrome rims.
IN the Metro Manila concrete jungle, the norm is to follow the status quo of conformity. But if you’re the type that goes against the flow, the best way to attack the status quo (from an auto owner’s viewpoint) is to drive a vehicle that calls attention to one’s self in more ways than one—like the Dodge Nitro.
Let’s start with the exterior. It’s the proportions that get the attention and, ultimately, make the SUV stand out. The high beltline (with huge 20-inch wheels) and a wide stance covered by aggressive flares are impossible to ignore, even if you don’t like SUVs. The monochromatic rust orange paint on the test unit doesn’t hurt either. And don’t forget the fake vents on the Nitro’s front-quarter panels, which look disturbingly similar to the vents on the Range Rover Sport.
But it takes more than jaw-dropping looks to compete. You’ve got to be all things to all people, to be big enough to haul the family and its accessories and small enough to not punch a truck-sized hole in the wind. The Nitro answers the call, but for some reason doesn’t go all out. The front seats are comfortable (read: soft) and provide an upright driving position, but feel a little bit like they’re inflatable until you adjust to sitting on them rather than in them. Rear-seat legroom is sufficient for adults, while radio and aircon controls are all logically placed and easy to use via large knobs. Instrumentation is arranged logically in three binnacles, with the speedometer in the center, tachometer on the right and fuel and temperature gauges on the left. Other controls, specifically the hard-to-find hazard button (under the aircon controls) and the emergency brake handle, don’t feel designed for human use. The latter is too thin; grabbing it is like grabbing a knife handle. The rest of the interior materials, especially the hard plastic on the dash and in the cargo area, is abundant and looks a little cheap. There are, however, plenty of small bins and storage areas.
Speaking of storage, its 60/40-split rear seat folds flat (as does the front passenger seat) providing great space for long items. The rear hatch is easy to reach, even for the vertically challenged. There’s a sliding cargo tray (billed as Load ‘N Go) behind the rear seat that extends over the rear bumper and can accommodate 400 pounds. However, the tray is only semi-useful; its versatility could be greatly increased with the ability to slide out another 10 inches, even if it means cutting its capacity in half.
The 3.7L V6 takes some time to get into the powerband’s low end. Then again, that’s hardly surprising given the 1867 kg curb weight (and the additional unsprung weight of people and items) that the engine has to move. But when the Nitro has momentum it can go mighty fast, going up to 200 kph. The bad news? Hauling all that mass puts a strain on fuel consumption (6.41 km/l, four days mixed driving), and the four-speed A/T has a tendency to upshift too early, which affects acceleration.
Given the looks of the unit, handling isn’t a strong point. Its front suspension is under-damped, which allows excessive body motion over bumps and freeway undulations. It may be good for US highways, but for the near off-road conditions of Metro Manila tarmac, the damping raises concerns. Timid suspension tuning aside, the Nitro’s aggressive stability control system reins hard cornering heavily, holding traction up to 83 to 85 kph. Also, its steering is slow and doesn’t offer much feedback.
Much like its handling aspect, safety is also middling. Brake grip is strong, but handbrake grip is very weak. You have to pull up the latter close to 45 degrees to get decent bite. There are parking sensors at the rear but none in front, and with the small side mirrors parallel parking can be tricky. The low roofline also creates blind spots at the rear.
The Dodge Nitro may be lacking in certain areas, but it certainly isn’t found wanting in making itself (and its owner) known throughout the metro. In short, it’s the perfect assault on conformity.
LINK w/pictures:
Assault on conformity
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