2007 Dodge Nitro SLT Test Drive
The all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro is Dodge’s first mid-size sport utility and is not just another mid-size sport utility with sleep-inducing styling. It’s got the bold, powerful, street-smart attitude of Dodge. Just look at the big, bold, signature crosshair grille with its three-dimensional ram’s head.
Also prominent are the front fender flares, substantial body size and high beltline. Even the door handles and exterior mirrors are brawny. The wheels are pushed to the corners, reinforcing the performance and capability of the vehicle. Those wheels, by the way, can be imposing, 20in. chrome-clad wheels and tires that come standard on the R/T model and optional on the SLT model that I tested.On the inside, Dodge Nitro has supportive, comfortable and attractive front bucket seats that can be ordered with leather trim. The passenger seatback folds flat while the reclining rear bench seat folds 60/40. This gives rear seat passengers a more comfortable ride and gives the rear cargo area more flexibility. Across from Nitro’s beefy four-spoke, leather wrapped steering wheel is a three-pod, four-gauge instrument cluster that is easy to see and understand. The gauges are black with gray and while graphics and orange pointers, creating a look of technical precision. The roomy cabin is well appointed with aluminum trim pieces on the dashboard, console and door switch plates. Storage is plentiful. The center console has room for hand-held PDAs, cell phones or coins; there are dual cupholders and a deep storage bin on the dash shelf. The center storage bin has two tiers, the top for access to items that you need to get to quickly and a larger storage bin below. There are driver-and-passenger side door compartments; and a map pocket behind the driver’s seat.
The LOAD ‘N GO floor is a new innovation. This sliding panel holds up to 400lbs. and is ideal for loading and unloading packages and other items. A reversible molded cargo load floor, durable and washable, is standard on the Nitro SXT. The Nitro has it all for comfort, convenience with ingenuity. The powertrain and chassis options on the all-new Dodge Nitro are tuned to provide consumers with power, performance, controlled braking and handling, plus a smooth, car-like ride.
Three transmissions are offered on the Dodge Nitro-a six-speed manual transmission on SXT, a four-speed automatic on SXT and SLT, and a five-speed automatic on R/T. Power assisted rack & pinion steering further enhances the performance of the Nitro with excellent response from your inputs, and a very good feel for the road.
Quickly stopping the new Nitro down from speed are big, power-assisted, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Up front are 11.9in. vented discs with single-piston calipers, and 12.4in. rear solid discs also clamped with single-piston calipers. Further keeping you in control when braking, or when driving over slick or loose surfaces, are standard all-speed traction control and electronic stability control that works with the brakes and engine throttle. Also coming standard is brake assist that helps boost the pressure on the disc brakes during emergency maneuvers.
Standard equipment not mentioned above includes remote keyless entry, speed-sensitive power door locks, power windows with front express up/down, cruise-control, rear window defogger, tire pressure monitor, 115-volt auxiliary rear power plug, 12-volt auxiliary plug up front, A/C,
The new Nitro is one of the best of a new breed of mid-size sport utility vehicles on the market. The base price for a Nitro SLT starts at $24,145.00. ALL NEW 2007 DODGE NITRO
COPYRIGHT:2007:HARVEY SCHWARTZ – EDITOR, AUTOMOTIVE ADDICTS
Type: Midsize SUV
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