2007 Dodge Nitro Review: Snapshot
Some will find this collection of large rectangles as good as it gets. Others remember a child's drawing of a car with crayons.
"Dardge" - as the Americans pronounce it - does not hide the fact that this imaginary SUV is essentially a life support system for thick 20-inch rims and various trim levels.
It's a sassy tabloid hooligan with a slightly more off-road application than a soft SUV, in which show is more important than movement.
Weighing in at 1780kg to just under 1900kg, depending on kit and drivetrain, Australian-spec Nitros get either the V3.7 6 petrol or the 2.8 turbodiesel found in everything from the Compass Jeep to the ML Mercedes-Benz these days.
The two oil engines we tried in Spain last week came with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The last box is a choice because of the hesitant shift knob, which - especially up to fifth and sixth gear - was not as long as the Olympic.
But then the diesel's loud and raspy note doesn't sit well with the poof-doof sounds coming from a performance-enhancing SXT model with, say, pimp white bodywork, tinted windows and a chrome crosshair grille.
The Nitro's cockpit is the best of the three new-gen Dodge models we've seen, although that may seem like weak praise. Simple and functional, there is no gray plastic that ruins the Caliber and Avenger, but there are decent dark leather and bits of polished aluminum.
The MyGIG multimedia infotainment system includes one of the best satellite navigation systems we've ever seen - smart enough to identify and announce road names and route numbers.
The sound system can store 100 hours of music, which, thanks to its resonant clarity and loudness, is suitable for any outdoor rave. The driver's seat is electronically adjustable, but the steering wheel only moves up and down, creating an uncomfortable position.
While the Nitro's driver considerations seem largely irrelevant, it's not a wasted experience to navigate alluring roads. Nitro is driven by the rear wheels, while all-wheel drive with a slight offset to the rear axle can be selected with a switch.
Riding on thick tires is unruffled, although European roads are not ours. The Nitro emulates several aspects of Jeep products, including excessive wind noise at speed. This will attract another buyer to the Wrangler or Cherokee.
Considering its visual appeal, the around $38,000 Dodge might cause some discomfort for the Hummer GM, which arrives here a month later and is priced in excess of $50k. The case of a lion or a ram.
