That may have something to do with the little Dodge offering more under the hood to get the most out of in the first place. While the 170-hp MazdaSpeed is plenty of fun, only the WRX comes close to matching the SRT-4's power, being only 3 horsepower shy of the Dodge's 230-hp. Where it lacks is in torque, 33 lb-ft short of the SRT's 250. Others in the class pale in comparison too, with the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart at 162-hp, Mini Cooper S at 163-hp, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V with 175-hp, and VW GTI VR6 at 200-hp.
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| The SRT-4's 230-hp engine puts it ahead of the Subaru WRX, MazdaSpeed Protegé, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
In first gear the grunt of the 2.4-L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged 4-cylinder isn't quite as apparent as in the other gears. Once in second I hit the gas, when in no time at all the turbocharged boost came into play sweeping me back into the seat and nearly off the pavement. The same effect hurtles the car forward in third and fourth gear with fifth allowing a sensational top speed of 238 km/h (148 mph) - try that in a Chevy Cavalier. Its peak torque range is achieved between 3,200 and 4,200 rpm, with 0 to 100 km/h arriving in less than 6.0 seconds - impressive!
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| The minimal-turbo-boost-in-first-gear system keeps city driving civilized without killing the fun. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I liked the minimal-turbo-boost-in-first-gear system for multiple reasons. One, it regulated my city driving, meaning if I gave the car more gas than needed it wouldn't just take off in wild abandon (much like I experienced in the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition). Two, it made the city driving experience more enjoyable as it comes across tame in traffic. It's this kind of diversity, its balance of engine refinement and shear horsepower that makes the SRT-4 so good.
But the car is not all about straight ahead acceleration. Handling in the rain or shine is outstanding. The SRT-4's four-wheel independent suspension enhances its edginess without compromising the smooth ride; and that despite its massive P205/50R17 Z-rated tires on 17-inch aluminum rims.