2008 Dodge Nitro SXT CRD review

Upon first glance it could be mistaken for a piece of military equipment capable of running over small houses. On second glance though, rubber tyres and a chrome grille slot it into the category of SUV.

There is literally a large step to get to the driver’s seat, where a commanding position is then taken. The bonnet seems like it goes on forever, making the front corners of the bonnet easy to see. The driver’s seat is comfortable and offers a relaxing position for long drives.

The interior – much like most American cars – is seemingly made entirely of plastic. I couldn’t believe the degree of plastics used in the Dodge Caliber I drove last year. Although the Nitro has a lot of plastic in use too, it’s not as bad as the Caliber, but on the same token, is not at a level I would call acceptable for a ~$40,000 car.

We test drove the Nitro SXT CRD, under the bonnet a Mercedes-Benz sourced diesel motor and gearbox powers the Nitro. Nail the throttle and after a short stint of turbo lag, a torrent of torque hits, propelling the military vehicle lookalike with pace. The diesel motor produces 130kW and a massive 460Nm of torque, sipping through just 9.4l/100km, not bad for such a big car. Power is sent through a 5-speed automatic gearbox.

Although the acceleration on tap is plenty, the Nitro doesn’t handle – at all. Throw the Nitro around a bit and a feeling of insecurity is instantly felt. Body roll, a lack of steering response and spongy brakes culminate to a less than pleasing driving experience. Although the body roll is acceptable for an SUV, it doesn’t make the Nitro a car that can be used in all situations, which is the purpose of an SUV.

Priced from $36,990, the Nitro is available in both petrol and diesel models, the latter of which is more expensive. The range includes the SX and SXT. The SXT CRD being test driven is available from $43,490. Safety features include: ESP (Electronic Stability Control) with ABS; tyre pressure monitoring; driver and passenger airbags and side airbags with roll sensing technology.

© Source: caradvice
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2008 Dodge Nitro

Overview
The 2008 Dodge Nitro is a mid-size sport utility vehicle distinguished from other SUVs by its squared-off styling with exaggerated fender flares. Nitro shares its platform with the Jeep Liberty. It is 22 inches shorter than the Dodge Durango full-size SUV.

The Nitro looks and feels larger than its size, with a high seating position that SUV owners like, and good cabin space. It features Load 'n' Go, a cargo storage system whereby the rear seats and front passenger seat fold totally flat in seconds; additionally, the cargo floor slides rearward out over the rear bumper, and can hold 400 pounds, making the loading of heavy objects much easier. It could prevent back injuries.

The Nitro comes with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, with a choice of V6 engines. The newer 4.0-liter V6 is better than the old 3.7-liter, with 50 more horsepower and fuel economy that's only one or two miles per gallon less. However the 4.0-liter engine only comes in the top-of-the-line R/T model, which costs about $3200 more than the most popular SLT. But a five-speed automatic also comes with the R/T, and that transmission is also better than the standard four-speed in the SLT. Surprisingly, the R/T has a more comfortable ride, as well.

There are three types of upholstery: basic cloth, a handsome stain-repellant cloth, and beautiful perforated leather. No matter which covering, the seats are very comfortable. The cabin is quiet thanks to heavy use of sound deadening material, and visibility out the rear and to the front corners of the Nitro is excellent.

For a base price of $19,595, a Nitro owner gets many safety features that are usually optional on other vehicles, such as side curtain airbags, an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist, electronic roll mitigation and a tire-pressure monitor.

The Nitro was introduced for the 2007 model year and gets only minor changes for 2008. The only notable updates are standard Trailer Sway Control and the availability of rear obstacle detection system.

© Source: nctd
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