Dodge Nitro 3.7 SXT (2006) CAR review

Dodge Nitro? Sounds pretty explosive. What’s it all about?

It’s a Land Rover Freelander-sized SUV designed to appeal to the macho man that Chrysler believe is lurking in every buyer. So it’s a pretty appropriate name. The Nitro’s a good looking motor in the metal too. It’s got terrific presence with that big flat front; a bit like a Discovery 3 that’s been through a boil wash, even down to the clamshell bonnet and vents on the front wings. So things start very promisingly.

I sense there’s a ‘but’ coming along…

Be patient, there’s more good stuff. The Dodge is being aimed at buyers on a budget so prices will start at less than 20 big ones. That puts it firmly in Korean territory and it’s being pitched at motors such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Like those cars it’ll come with plenty of standard kit such as air-conditioning, ABS, ESP and electric windows all round. And they’ve come up with a clever Load ’N Go boot floor that slides out so you don’t have to lean into the car with heavy objects. Top models will even get a 20 Gigabyte hard drive for storing music and photos.