Introduction

The Dodge Nitro started its production in August of 2006 and was being sold by September of the same year, as a 2007 model SUV. Since the Dodge Raider got discontinued in 1990, the Dodge Nitro is Dodge's first compact SUV.

The dimensions of the Dodge Nitro measure at 178.9 inches in length, 73.1 inches in width and 66.9 inches in height with a 108.8 inches wheelbase. The compact-SUV weighs in at 4,162 lbs. It is a four door compact SUV with either a front wheel drive or an all wheel drive layout. The Dodge Nitro is also based on the Chrylser KA platform which it shares with the Jeep Liberty.

Models

The Dodge Nitro is available in three models with each offering a choice of either a two wheel drive or a four wheel drive model. The four wheels are named as the SXT, the SLT and the R/T models.

The SXT line carries a 210 hp, 3.7 liter V6 engine which can be mated with either a four speed automatic transmission or a six speed manual transmission. The car is also available in rear wheel or four wheel drive. The four wheel drive model has a part-time four-wheel-drive system. The car also features a cloth upholstery, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, remote entry, flat folding front passenger seat, 115 volt power outlet, a 60/40 folding rear bench seat, an AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speaker sound system, traction control and brake assist, folding power mirrors and 16 inch steel wheels.

With the SLT model, automatic transmission comes standard with both the SLT model and the SLT 4WD model. It carries basically the same offering as the SXT with stain-resistant cloth seats, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, audio controls loaded on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, overhead console, cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information instrumentation, tinted windows, body colored front and rear fascias and fender flares, 17 inch aluminum wheels and Dodge Nitro's advertised Load n' Go cargo storage system with tie down rails.

The Dodge Nitro's Load n' Go is a sliding cargo floor which Dodge is advertising as a major selling feature. The system is similar to the feature offered by the Saab 9-5 station wagon. With this feature, the floor of the Dodge Nitro can be extended beyond the rear hatch by a total of 18 inches in order to ease loading cargo into the SUV.

The R/T is equipped with a new 4.0 liter V6, 260 hp engine with a five speed automatic transmission. The four wheel drive model of the R/T uses a full-time, four-wheel-drive system. It also has a sports suspension along with the 20 inch wheels and the Goodyear eagle tires. Equipment and features available for the R/T is mostly similar with the SLT model. However, the R/T has the Sirius Satellite Radio.

Feature options available for all the three models include an available power sunroof, foglamps, full-size spare tire, engine block heater and trailer tow package. For the four wheel drive SXT and SLT models, there is an available full-time four wheel drive option. For the SLT and R/T models, optional features include leather upholstery, a navigation system, remote start, hands-free phone, AM/FM/6CD/CD/DVD/MP3 sound system with eight speakers and a subwoofer. There is also the optional MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System that features navigation, audio, entertainment and communication features crammed into one package, along with voice command and the 20 gigabyte hard drive in order to store music and photos.

Safety Features

Dodge, however included a complete host of safety features for Dodge's base model. These standard safety features include front and rear side airbags, side curtain air bags, electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist, electronic roll mitigation and tire pressure monitors.

Conclusion

The Dodge Nitro has been lauded as being one of the more affordable new models for the SUV line up. It comes at a base tag price is at 19,885 USD while the Dodge Nitro model with the all-wheel-drive option carries a tag-price of 27,630 USD. It is one of the first of Dodge's modern cars that will be sold in Europe.