Used car test:

[rickaren]

USED CAR TEST: No dodging the outlandish styling


2010/11/11

FEW cars get more attention on the road, but its outlandish styling does wrap a very practical package. I am not sure in what sector of the market the Dodge Nitro fits, as it is pretty unique, but I would personally classify the Nitro as an urban SUV.

Our used Nitro makes use of the popular 3.7l V6 powerplant that has also done duty in the Jeep Cherokee range. The engine produces 157kW of maximum power and an equally healthy 319Nm of torque. The Nitro is, however, no bullet when it comes to performance, but regarding its status and size it does perform admirably. The 0-100km/h run will take you around 10-seconds and a top speed of a 186km/h should prove more than adequate for most people.

Although I have driven smoother V6 vehicles in the past few months, the Nitro performed well during our test, while it also sounded good. The response from the automatic gearbox proved to be less than athletic, yet the gear changes remained relatively smooth. The vehicle also comes equipped with a four wheel drive lock feature. The Nitro comes equipped with an electronically controlled ABS-system and thus stopping the vehicle efficiently posed no problems at all. It seemed to be in perfect condition mechanically.

The Nitro is certainly quite spacious and practical, but it doesn’t scream family at all, but rather “look at me, I am different”. The car certainly looks different and those huge 20-inch alloys contribute to the overall almost hotrod look.

Likewise the interior is quite different, yet funky. Most of the bells and whistles were also included in the standard package. This included climate control air- conditioning, power steering, electric windows, leather upholstery, electric seats with seat warmers, tinted windows all- round, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, an on-board computer, bluetooth phone connectivity and a sound system with a front loader CD-shuttle, as well as MP3 player connectivity.

Safety features included an ESP system, as well as front, side and curtain airbags.

LINK: BusinessDay - USED CAR TEST: No dodging the outlandish styling