Fortunately the chassis engineers didn't jettison a smooth ride in favor of athletic handling. The Magnum RT is very
 |
| The Magnum RT is very comfortable on journeys long or short. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
comfortable on journeys long or short. Its stout Touring suspension absorbs most road degradation very well, with only the worst of the worst subjecting the Magnum's hushed cabin to significant jarring. In general the vehicle is very tight and remarkably rigid for a wagon. And thanks to its powerful 4-wheel antilock disc brakes, the RT dissipates speed during emergency braking with exceptional results; although a good bit of heft is required to clamp these binders firmly to their rotors; a characteristic I prefer over feather-light braking. After one becomes accustomed to the effort the firm pedal demands, brake force is easily modulated and completely predictable.
In addition to all-speed traction control, antilock braking and self-sealing tires, the RT's Electronic Stability
 |
| The RT's Electronic Stability Program will help prevent a loss of control when ambition exceeds driver expertise or when a slick surface is encountered. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Program will help prevent a loss of control when ambition exceeds driver expertise or when a slick surface is encountered. For those unfortunate occasions when technology and driver training fail us, the Magnum is equipped with Next-Generation frontal airbags as standard equipment. Also available are supplemental side-curtain airbags for the protection of front and rear seat outboard occupants. And those in the front can take extra comfort in knowing that the Magnum has been awarded a 5-Star Crash Test Rating (top rating) from the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for driver and front passenger, frontal impact.
