8 February 2011
It's round two in the re-launch of the Dodge brand in New Zealand with the recent NZ debut of the Nitro model, an all-new mid size sport utility vehicle. As a major sponsor of professional boxing in New Zealand the Dodge marketing team are hoping this vehicle can compete with the heavy weights in this class, namely the Holden Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe, V6 Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Territory or even the Honda CRV.
Last year the 5-door hatchback Dodge Caliber was chosen as the model to re-launch the brand in New Zealand after an absence of over forty years and was placed in a lighter weight division than the Nitro. It was lined up to compete with the likes of the popular Peugeot 307 and Mazda 3 for a slice of the compact 5-door market. The scorecard to date reads a knock out blow inflicted by the opposition with sales of the Caliber to date best described as very average.
Can the Nitro do any better?
Two modes are available: the SXT and the full-spec R/T, which features 20-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels, colour-coded grille, leather trimmed seats and a power operated sunroof. Standard features across both variants include; cruise control, heated / fold away power mirrors, alarm, tyre pressure monitor, vehicle information system and a leather bound steering wheel. The SXT comes standard with 17inch alloy wheels.
Two engine choices are available, a 3.7 SOHC V6 petrol or the all-new 2.8 litre DOHC common rail diesel featuring an electronically actuated Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGR). The petrol power unit is based on the existing Jeep Cherokee but has been upgraded to develop 151kW of power @ 5200 rpm and 314Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The diesel meets Euro4 emission standards and develops 130kW @ 3800 rpm and 460Nm between 1400 and 2800 rpm. Automatics are the only transmission available with a four-speed unit mated to the petrol and a five-speed combining with the auto. Claimed fuel consumption is 12.1litres/100km (combined cycle) for the petrol and 9.4 l/100km (combined cycle) for the diesel. A weekend drive in both urban and highway conditions in the petrol variant produced an actual result of 13.5 l/100km, which we believe will be a lot closer to the mark.
For some of the positive innovations or features this vehicle possesses, there seems to be an equally negative factor, which may well polarize potential buyers. Safety features for example include Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti Locking Brakes, Brake Assist, Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags and one of the best reversing sensing systems currently available on a new vehicle. But viewed from a pedestrian safety angle, you would have to say pedestrians and cyclists may end up being permanently imprinted with the signature crosshair grill with its three dimensional rams head if contact was made with the front bumper and grill area. Dodge will make no excuses for building a vehicle with an overall macho look, but some may view the front styling as being too aggressive and giving off a bully type attitude.
In everyday driving the Nitro operates as a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, but the all-wheel drive can be engaged at the turn of a switch on the centre console and can be operated while the vehicle is in motion. Unlike many of its competitors however, it is up to the driver to disengage the all-wheel drive mode when the vehicle is on paved surfaces. Severe damage to the transfer case will result if this is not carried out. Another negative in our view, as this vehicle is clearly designed for both recreational and city environments and automatic disengagement of the 4WD above a certain speed would be far safer for owners. Many 'townies' that use the 4WD system sparingly may learn the hard-way to operate the 4WD in accordance with Dodges instructions.
Interior space will comfortably accommodate five adults and with the passenger front seat designed to fold flat, the ability to carry extra long and bulky items is a great asset. Child restraints anchor points are also standard across the range. All Nitro models have power-operated seating.
The Nitro has one innovation which in our view is a winner; the Load 'N'Go rear floor. Able to extend 457mm over the rear bumper, and designed to hold up to 181kg it makes loading items such as TV's or similar a much easier exercise. Tie downs are also part of the package to ensure the load can be secured before sliding the floor back into position. Beneath the sliding panel is a handy 100mm deep storage area useful for holding valuables or utility items out of sight.
On the open road the Nitro is an easy and pleasurable drive, lacking in wind noise despite of the square front, and huge - but easy to see out of side mirrors.
Overall exterior dimensions are similar to its competitors so comparisons should be based on looks alone, if you're in the market for this type of vehicle.
If you're into towing then an optional load-levelling device is required to be able to tow a braked maximum of 2270kg. Without the upgrade the maximum braked towing capacity drops to1600kg.
Retail prices start at a very competitive $43,990 for the SXT petrol and moves up to $50,890 for the more highly specd RT. In diesel format prices start at $48,990 and top out at $55,990.
There is more to the Nitro than meets the eye and it's deserving of a look and drive if you're in the market for a well-priced mid-size SUV with a lot of goodies as standard features. The aggressive looks however may mean it gets beaten on a point's decision when compared to its competitors more times than it deserves.