Get into Dodge

Whether it"s a car or a commercial, there is no mistaking the the Dodge Nitro. The US carmaker is now offering a van conversion of the Dodge Nitro sports utility vehicle (SUV) which is both different and competitively priced. The Nitro is aimed at the mid-size commercial SUV market, where there is an appetite for space, towing and load-carrying ability, coupled with a bit of style. And the Dodge front end and chrome grille features give the longer than average bonnet design a refreshing retro look. The Nitro comes with a 2.8 litre common rail turbo-diesel engine that complies with the latest in EU emission standards. Delivering 177bhp, the output from this four-cylinder unit is impressive and so, too, is its torque. The engine performance gives it a clear power lead relative to other mid-range SUVs. There is a manual and automatic gearbox version of the Nitro commercial and it"s the automatic version that wins out in the acceleration and comfort stakes. It delivers a marginally better acceleration at 10.5 seconds in a 0 to 100km/h race, and it"s more comfortable to drive as well. Performance-wise, the Nitro commercial delivers more pace than the likes of the competing Nissan X-Trail. The downside is that the manual gearbox Nitro commercial, which I had on test, demands more strenuous effort in terms of gear-changing, detracting from its otherwise modern style. Dodge fit a bigger than average engine in the Nitro, and while this delivers well in terms of acceleration, the price is poorer fuel economy. The official fuel economy rating for the Nitro is 8.6 litres/100km (33mpg), a bit on the high side for a mid-range commercial SUV. Commercial vehicle drivers do not have the same constraints as regular car drivers when it comes to CO2 ratings. Commercials attract a lower VRT rate and lower road tax rates so the relatively high CO2 output figure of 228g/km is of less consequence. The commercial conversion for the Nitro has allowed for a lowering of prices to a newly announced figure of €28,995, incl VAT, or €23,962, before VAT. That compares with the passenger versions which carry a price tag of €37,995 and an annual road tax bill of €2,000. This points to the fact that if you want to drive a Dodge Nitro, then the commercial route is the only way to go. This pricing will certainly attract some drivers in the Nitro direction. Drivers will be attracted to the vehicle for some of its standard distinctive features which are not found in many other SUVs. The four-wheel-drive system is a part-time one, which has a dial operated single-speed transfer case and two modes (2WD and 4WD part-time). This aims to deliver a maximum 50/50 front/rear split of torque. The Nitro"s safety package is impressive. It includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability programme (ESP), brake assist system, traction control system and electronic rollover mitigation (ERM). This latter system applies one or more brakes and/or modulates the engine throttle to prevent the vehicle entering a potential roll situation. Every Dodge Nitro has seat-belt pre-tensioners and constant force retractors and the Nitro SXT model is equipped with rear park assist sensors. All models come with passive safety systems which include advanced multi-stage front air bags, full-length side curtain air bags, key-based engine immobiliser and a tyre pressure monitoring system that alerts occupants when pressure in any individual tyre is too low. Even as a commercial version the standard feature package is impressive. All models come with cruise control, air conditioning, 17' alloys, electric six-way driver"s seat, front fog lamps, remote keyless entry, chrome grille, floor mats and leather steering wheel. The Nitro seats are fitted out in with what Dodge say is an easy-care, soil-repellent and anti-microbial textile. It"s basically designed to protect seats from stains, odours and discolouration. As a mid-size commercial SUV, there"s a big feeling to the Nitro as you open up the large boot door. Up front, there is plenty of room for hand-held electronic organisers, mobile phones or coins. The top panel in this section seems a little frail and, rather than tilt, it must be removed - not that impressive in a design sense. In the boot area, the Dodge Load 'N" Go floor is a neat feature for the Nitro. This is a panel that slides 457mm (18in) rearward for easy, convenient loading and unloading of packages. It can take a load up to 181kg (400lbs) and makes loading easier. The Nitro is a heavy SUV, probably the heaviest of the mid-range SUVs on the market. That has a negative impact on its fuel economy, while the plus is that it ensures a good towing rating. The towing rating for a braked trailer is 2.5 tonnes, which is well ahead of the competition. The Dodge Nitro pricing is pretty competitive. The entry price of €28,995, incl VAT, will be attractive, and is €9,000 less than the equivalent passenger model. If you are giving the Nitro van an inspection, go for the automatic version even though it"s about €1,500 extra - you"ll appreciate the comfort.