Dodge Nitro

By: CAR magazine

By Kyle KockDodge has recently launched the Nitro into the competitive South African lifestyle SUV market. Although it is a well-known brand, Dodge has not had a massive presence in this country for some time and may have its work cut out to establish the Nitro, which is actually a very distinctive vehicle.

Two models are available here- the R/T and the SXT. It remains to be seen whether or not, the Nitro will be flying off showroom floors however, as one considers that vehicles like the Jeep Compass are potential threats to the success of the Nitro.

Starting with the styling, the Nitro has quite a muscular appearance. Owing in large part, to the signature crosshair grille, headlights that wrap the corners, rather large fender flares and imposing 20-inch wheels available on the R/T model. Adding a functional aspect is a set of robust black roof rack side rails. Optional Mopar crossbars can be nested in between the integrated side rails. These compliment the black door handles (on all models) that have a solid feel. Bringing up the rear is a simple, one-piece tailgate. The fixed tailgate glass features the same bevelled details used in the side glass. Saving interior cargo space is the spare tyre located underneath the vehicle.

The streetwise styling and hulking figure make this SUV a sight not to be missed. The Nitro has a height of 1 755 mm, a width of 1 856 mm (excluding mirrors) and a general overall length of 4 584 mm. The 3,7-litre V6 model tips the scales at 2 540 kg, with the 2,8-litre CRD not far behind at 2 520 kg.

The model line up features two engine variants. The 3,7-litre s-o-h-c 12 valve V6 produces 151 kW at 5 200 r/min, 314 N.m at 4000 r/min. The top speed is 190 km/h. The 2,8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit delivers 130 kW at 3 800 r/min. In manual guise, this model has a top speed of 180 km/h and 182 km/h for the automatic. Torque is a healthy 410 N.m at 2 000 r/min for the six-speed manual and 460 N.m for the five-speed automatic.

There are three transmission options, all of which feature a switchable part-time four-wheel drive system – a six-speed manual or a five speed automatic for the 2,8-litre CRD SXT, and a four-speed automatic on the 3,7-litre V6 SXT and 3,7-litre V6 R/T.

A new coil-spring independent front suspension and an all-new five link, coil spring rear suspension give the Nitro a ground clearance of 220 mm for the front axle, and 210 mm at the rear. This enables the Nitro to wade through water as deep as 483 mm at 16 km/h.

The Nitro’s braking system consists of 302 mm vented front discs and solid 316 mm rear rotors – all with floating callipers. Four-wheel ABS, an Electronic Stability Program and All-speed Traction Control are standard features.

The simple, modern interior offers seating for five. On the SXT, an advanced cloth fabric adorns the seats – fabric that can withstand endless cleanings, repels stains and reduces static electricity. Standard on the R/T are heated leather seats- optional on the SXT. The load bay features the LOAD ‘N GO retracting cargo floor system.

Standard gadgetry includes a Vehicle Entertainment System, Electronic Vehicle Information Control and MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System.

Advanced multi-stage air bags, Child Seat Anchor System, Crumple zones, Enhanced Accident Response System, Side occupant protection system and Supplemental side-curtain air bags are all included in the standard line-up of safety features.

Prices

Nitro 3.7-litre SXT, four-speed automatic R319 900

Nitro 2.8-litre CRD SXT, six-speed manual R339 900

Nitro 2.8-litre CRD SXT, five-speed automatic R349 900

Nitro 3.7-litre R/T, four-speed automatic R349 900

All Chrysler group products come standard with a three year / 100 000km warranty and maintenance plan. Service intervals for the 2,8-litre CRD are every 20 000 km and 12 000 km for the 3,7-litre V6.

Related Articles
Upside-Down Hydrogen Inline-six

Ferrari Keeps ICE Hopes Alive with Upside-Down Hydrogen Inline-Six