And that nice cool ride looks the part too. I mentioned how much I like this SUV's proportions, and I think it's going to be
extremely popular amongst those looking for something that appears as rugged and tough as its off-road credentials propose. It certainly is a distinctive design statement, bold in the traditional Dodge fashion. A unique version of the brand's trademark crosshair grille sits up front and centre, embellished in chrome or body-colour, depending on trim, and flanked by a pair of wraparound headlamp clusters that mirror the curves of the hood-line above.
That hood is one of the flattest in recent memory, reminding me of early SUVs more utilitarian in nature than most of today's conveyances - Jeep Commander aside. The side panels, other than the pronounced wheel arches fore and aft, are slab-sided with a narrow greenhouse stretching backward to an abruptly vertical D-pillar cum liftgate.
"The Dodge
Nitro's bold styling and aggressive stance is what makes the vehicle stand out in a crowd," commented Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President, Chrysler Group Design. "The Nitro's design characteristics are unlike those of any midsize SUV on the road today, making it attractive to customers seeking distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility."
A few design cues draw the eye immediately, starting with the chromed three-slat engine vents on each front fender, and polished 20-inch chromed cast-aluminum wheels - optional but well worth whatever they cost from a visual perspective alone.
From the rear the utilitarian look continues, with simple, vertical tail lamps, a large
rectangular liftgate, instead of the more awkward swinging fifth door on the Liberty, and either a body-colour or chromed license plate visor. The roof gets black-trimmed side rails, as functional as they are stylish.
All in all, I find it interesting that square, boxy styling is once again en vogue, at least among new Chrysler Group vehicles. In the case of the SUV segment this is quite handy, as it's the best configuration for maximizing interior space.
Just how this new-old look will be received by Europeans is anyone's guess, but the Nitro is particularly attractive and being that, despite what you may read in the papers, Americana is still very popular across the Atlantic, it could do quite well. Only time will tell, a clock that will start ticking soon after the model is launched in non-North American markets during the first quarter of 2007. The new SUV will arrive in Canadian dealerships this fall as a 2007 model.
All Nitros will be made in Ohio, by the way, in the Toledo North Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep Liberty.
And how will the Nitro do here? Famously, without doubt. With the "midsize" Durango bordering on full-size, there's a lot of room for growth in the sport utility segment for the Dodge brand. To make this point clearer
still, most competitive brands offer compact and midsize models, with some even featuring two SUVs in each class, one car-based, optimizing road-holding, and the other truck-based, designed for off-road utility. Therefore Dodge could potentially add up to four additional new models to its sport utility lineup over and above the new Nitro, without even entering a truly full-sized model.
Yes, Chrysler Group's execs are finally taking advantage of the equity instilled in the Ram brand, and the Nitro appears to be exactly what's needed to succeed in what seems to be a downsizing SUV market segment.
Preliminary Specifications:
 |
| A unique version of the brand's trademark crosshair grille sits up front and centre. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
That hood is one of the flattest in recent memory, reminding me of early SUVs more utilitarian in nature than most of today's conveyances - Jeep Commander aside. The side panels, other than the pronounced wheel arches fore and aft, are slab-sided with a narrow greenhouse stretching backward to an abruptly vertical D-pillar cum liftgate.
"The Dodge
 |
| A few design cues draw the eye immediately, starting with the chromed three-slat engine vents on each front fender. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
A few design cues draw the eye immediately, starting with the chromed three-slat engine vents on each front fender, and polished 20-inch chromed cast-aluminum wheels - optional but well worth whatever they cost from a visual perspective alone.
From the rear the utilitarian look continues, with simple, vertical tail lamps, a large
 |
| I find it interesting that square, boxy styling is once again en vogue, at least among new Chrysler Group vehicles. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
All in all, I find it interesting that square, boxy styling is once again en vogue, at least among new Chrysler Group vehicles. In the case of the SUV segment this is quite handy, as it's the best configuration for maximizing interior space.
Just how this new-old look will be received by Europeans is anyone's guess, but the Nitro is particularly attractive and being that, despite what you may read in the papers, Americana is still very popular across the Atlantic, it could do quite well. Only time will tell, a clock that will start ticking soon after the model is launched in non-North American markets during the first quarter of 2007. The new SUV will arrive in Canadian dealerships this fall as a 2007 model.
All Nitros will be made in Ohio, by the way, in the Toledo North Assembly Plant alongside the Jeep Liberty.
And how will the Nitro do here? Famously, without doubt. With the "midsize" Durango bordering on full-size, there's a lot of room for growth in the sport utility segment for the Dodge brand. To make this point clearer
 |
| Chrysler Group's execs are finally taking advantage of the equity instilled in the Ram brand. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Yes, Chrysler Group's execs are finally taking advantage of the equity instilled in the Ram brand, and the Nitro appears to be exactly what's needed to succeed in what seems to be a downsizing SUV market segment.
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (estimated MSRP): $27,000 - $42,000
- Body Type: 5-door SUV
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Base Engine: 210-hp, 235 lb-ft of torque, 3.7L, 12-valve, SOHC V6
- Optional Engine: 255-hp, 275 lb-ft of torque, 4.0L, 12-valve, SOHC V6
- Transmission: 6-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto w/ 3.7L; 5-spd auto w/4.0L)
- Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,544 / 1,857 / 1,776 / 2,763 mm (178.9 / 73.1 / 69.9 / 108.8 in)
- Track (frt/rr): 1,549 / 1,549 mm (61.0 / 61.0 in)
- Approach Angle (degrees): 25.6
- Breakover Angle (degrees): 22.0
- Departure Angle (degrees): 26.7
- Curb Weight (min - max): 1,784 - 1,883 kg (3,932 - 4,151 lbs)
- Coefficient of Drag (Cd): 0.39
- Seating Capacity: 5 (2/3)
- Cargo Volume (seats upright/folded): 900 / 1,900 L (32.3 / 66.9 cu ft)
- Payload (max w/ occupants and cargo): 590 kg (1,150 lbs)
- Towing Capacity (min - max): 907 - 2,268 kg (2,000 - 5,000 lbs)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive - 60 / 100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors (4x4 capable): Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Nissan Xterra, Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Web Site: www.dodge.ca
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