 |
| With a starting price of $31,385, the Charger SXT offers plenty of bang for the buck. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
With a starting price of $31,385, the Charger SXT offers plenty bang for the buck, but if you're head over heels in love with the design and $30K plus change is beyond your reach, there is always the SE to consider, which can be purchased from just $27,495. Although, there is a catch: while all Chargers sold in the States are fitted with the 3.5-litre V6 to uphold the performance reputation, this rule does not apply in Canada. Like the Magnum, base Chargers are fitted with a smaller 2.7-litre DOHC that produces 190 horsepower and is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Think of it as a role reversal with Chrysler's 300 that isn't available with the rental-special V6 in Canada but is in the U.S. While the engine itself isn't bad, having to haul around almost 3,800 lbs of American steel plus a load of people and cargo makes forward progress woefully slow. For an extra $1,000, the SE's bargain-basement engine can be upgraded to the 3.5 with the five-speeder, rectifying any propulsion problems. No doubt, money well spent.
The as-tested price of my SXT, which includes heated leather seats with power adjustment up front, plus power adjustable pedals, a power sunroof, a 6-disc CD-MP3 stereo with Boston Acoustics speakers and U-Connect Bluetooth handsfree connection, rang in at $35,295.
If anything, a week's worth of touting around in the latest incarnation of the Charger has yielded few complaints; the majority of which have to do
 |
| The Dodge Charger is a good supplement to the traditional impractical muscle machine. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
with the fact that it's got two doors too many, and no manny-tranny. If you're able to look beyond these two points, and forgive Dodge for using such hallowed names on its latest modern machines, the vehicle which lies beneath is an accomplished, refined rear-wheel drive sedan that offers great value. The 2006 Charger is a fine alternative to those who want something a little bigger than the standard cookie-cutter family sedan, with more panache than a Camry or Accord. It's a good supplement to the traditional impractical muscle machine. Forty years down the road, the Charger has returned in a different form, but it will undoubtedly be one of the prouder chapters in the Charger nameplate's ongoing history.
Specifications:Price Range (MSRP): $31,385 - $37,140
Price as Tested (MSRP): $35,295
Body Type: 4-door sedan
Layout: front engine, RWD
Gasoline Engine: 250 hp, 250 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve DOHC V6
Transmission: 5-spd auto w/Auto/Stick
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 5,082 / 1,891 / 1,479 / 3,048 mm (200.1 / 74.5 / 58.2 / 120.0 in)
Curb Weight: 1723 kg (3800 lbs)
Tires: 225/60R18
Trunk: 459 L (16.2 cu ft)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.5 / 8.1 L/100 km (23/35 mpg)
Observed Fuel Economy: 11.7 L/100 km (24 mpg)
Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 km comprehensive
Competitors: Buick Allure / Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata / XG 350 / Azera, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Mazda6, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Pontiac Grand Prix / Bonneville, Toyota Camry / Avalon, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S60
Website:
www.dodge.ca
