2005 Dodge Nitro Concept

The roof gets the satin silver treatment too, accented with a black-trimmed roof rack and crossbars situated between integrated

Dodge added an integrated trailer tow hitch in the back, attractive chrome dual exhaust tail pipes, and a brushed silver license plate visor. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

side rails, as functional as stylish.

"Although the Dodge Nitro concept is a midsize sport-utility vehicle, its expressive form and fullness of surface are similar to that of much larger SUVs," commented Rick Aneiros, Vice President - Jeep and Truck Design. "The vehicle is not just an exercise in design; its attributes are functional and purposeful."

I find it interesting that square, boxy styling is once again en vogue, and in the case of the SUV segment quite handy as it's the best configuration for maximizing interior space.

And there's a fair bit of space in the cargo bay; up to 900 litres (32.3 cu ft) with all seats upright and 1,900 litres (66.9 cu ft) when the second row is folded flat - the front seats fold flat too. The cargo floor is composed

The cargo floor is composed of a textured vinyl that is said to be rugged enough for daily wear, and easy to clean. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

of a textured vinyl that is said to be rugged enough for daily wear, and easy to clean. Dodge has included an innovative loading floor, which slides rearward for more convenient access when lifting in heavy, awkward items. Dodge also integrated modular storage bins, one featuring a first aid kit.

From a visual perspective there's a lot of passenger space as well, with a tall roofline resulting in a 1,758 mm (69.2 inch) height, substantial width at 1,857 mm (73.1 inches), and ample wheelbase at 2,752 mm (108.3 inches).