While everyone else is introducing car-based “Crossover”, Dodge remains to be solid of being more traditional with their mid-size sport-utility vehicle—the Nitro.
Sticking to its muscular brand image, the Dodge Nitro stands out with several signature styling cues including an aggressive crosshair body color grille with bright horizontal inserts, fender flares, sculpted lines and chrome brushed silver accents.
If there’s one word that best describe the Dodge Nitro, it’s his macho cool image! The Nitro is distinguished by its boxy-styling. The squared-off styling makes for a sizeable cargo holds that accommodates long items. It transcends style with smart storage solutions, innovative technology, sporty performance and overall comfort.
Inside, Nitro’s interior is well styled and roomy. It offers a range of seating options from premium cloth to sophisticated leather trim with color-keyed inserts and accent stitching. The front-seat legroom is perfect for driver, and it feels like there’s even more space because of the narrow dashboard. The steering wheel gives the driver a perception and feeling of a bigger vehicle.
The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front passenger seat, as well as fold-flat second-row seats. The second-row seats also recline for added passenger comfort. Storage options also helps you pack everything. This includes a rear cargo bin, glove box and center console.
The Doge Nitro offers two-engine variant: the 4.0-liter and the 3.7-liter. Our test unit is equipped with 3.7-liter SOHC V6 engine that features an advanced electronic throttle control for precise drive-by-wire control matted with four-speed automatic transmission.
However, the ride was a different story. The Dodge Nitro still has a bouncy, truck-like ride, despite its unibody construction. But in extreme steering maneuvers, the Electronic Stability Control helps you maintain control, sensing when a vehicle is starting to spin or plow, and works with Traction Control and the Antilock Brake System to help keep Nitro on course.
Sharing the same platform with the Jeep Liberty, the Nitro uses short-and long-arm independent front suspension that provides rock-steady ride and solid-axle five-link rear suspension that ensures road stability.
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock disc brakes, traction and stability control and side curtain airbags. The stability control includes a trailer sway control feature. Rear parking sensors are standard.
PHOTOS contributed by: Van Reyes
SPECIFICATIONS
CATEGORY Mid-size SUV
ENGINE 3.7-liter SOHC V6
MAX. OUTPUT 210 bhp @ 5,200 rpm
MAX. TORQUE 319 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
LENGTH 4544 mm
Height 1857 mm
Width 1776 mm
WheelBase 2736 mm
Transmission 4-speed AT
WHEELS & TIRES 245 / 50 R20
SUSPENSION (F) Independent (R) Rigid-Axle
Price as tested Php. 1.980 million
