In addition, the steering wheel is very basic. Its leather-wrapped rim is substantial enough, with the 3-spoke style ideal for sport driving, but its hub is too commonplace for something this racy. Dodge needs to take a cue from automaker's like Mazda and VW that have basically copied wheels from Momo and Nardi, and in some cases added the real thing to set their cars apart from the masses. The outside of the SRT-4 emanates a tuner car image, and so does the inside with the snazzy shifter, boost gauge and seats, but the steering wheel is not "in tune" with the overall theme.
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| Dodge's newest sport sedan is a fly ride to cruise around town in. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The SRT-4's stereo system is also good quality, but in comparison to the Rockford Fosgate system in the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V or the Premium Quality Kenwood CD/MP3 player in the MazdaSpeed Protegé, it's not as appealing forcing audio buffs to upgrade.
But despite only boasting adequate tunage, I have to say Dodge's newest sport sedan is a fly ride to cruise around town in. The SRT-4 is fast and flashy turning almost everyone's head for the exhaust note alone. What more could I ask for? Well, maybe a Viper.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $26,950 - $28,200
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 230 hp, 250 lb-ft, 2.4-L, 16-valve, DOHC, turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd manual
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Braking Performance (estimated 100 - 0): 36.6 m (120 ft)
- Curb Weight: 1,315 kg (2,970 lb)
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.9 seconds
- Top Speed (estimated): 238 km/h (148 mph)
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 371 L (13.1 cu ft)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 10.8 / 7.2 L/100 km (22 / 33 mpg)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 84/115,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Ford Focus SVT, Honda Civic SiR, MazdaSpeed Protegé, Mini Cooper S, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (EVO 8 in U.S.), Nissan Sentra SE-R / Spec V, Subaru Impreza WRX, VW GTI / Jetta GLI
- Web Site: www.dodge.ca
Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.
