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YOU can
be hip and you can be hop. Dodge has introduced a new
vehicle in town that popped up real hard and it can blow
your imagination to the top!
Yes, the
Dodge Nitro, a former concept vehicle, is now a reality
and was launched late last week by Cats Motors Inc. at
its showroom on Pasong Tamo, Makati.
“Introducing the new Dodge Nitro here reinforces our
commitment to provide the best products that amaze our
customers and exceed their expectations. Dodge Nitro
personifies the bold, powerful and street-smart attitude
of the Dodge brand,” said Peter MacKenzie, managing
director of Chrysler Southeast Asia.
MacKenzie added that the Dodge Nitro had already proven
its worth in many parts of the world where it was
introduced. “It was a great success in the United States
and no wonder it would be a hit here in the
Philippines.” Aside from MacKenzie, other Cats Motors
officials present during the launch were chairman Greg
Yu and president Felix Ang.
The
first midsize SUV for Dodge formally enters the midsize
SUV segment of the local auto industry which is already
teeming with exciting new vehicles despite the onslaught
of oil price increases. The Dodge Nitro is a midsize SUV
concept with a uniquely bold, powerful design statement
that would ignite an automotive segment more typically
characterized by bland styling.
But the
2008 Dodge Nitro is not just another pretty head-turner
in its segment. It also offers all the must-haves like
space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat
first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a
variety of loading options.
The most
noticeable and functional gadget is the Load ’N Go cargo
floor that slides 18 inches rearward for easy loading
and unloading of any baggage or groceries up to 400
pounds and is made of heavy-duty plastic for easy
cleaning.
And the
very basic to every Dodge vehicle is the bold crosshair
grille, which is just one of many design elements that
define the cool persona and tough attitude of the Dodge
Nitro SXT. The chrome grille on the Dodge Nitro is
emblazoned with a hefty three-dimensional ram’s head.
Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the
corners of the vehicle and a clamshell hood with strong
character lines complete the front end.
On the
other hand, the side of the vehicle features a deep-body
section and high beltline, which add to the vehicle’s
confident appearance. Chromed vents positioned on each
front fender complement the vehicle’s modern design and
contemporary flair. Short front and rear overhangs, not
typical of a midsize SUV, contribute to the vehicle’s
forceful expression. Wheels pushed to the corners, with
powerful-looking wheel arches, convey Nitro’s confident
stance. Those 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels and
tires simply evoke confidence on the road.
The
five-passenger Dodge Nitro SXT’s interior is spacious,
functional and flexible for people and cargo. There is
plenty of leg room for first- and second-row passengers.
It has a fold-flat front passenger seat, as well as
fold-flat second-row seats, that also recline for added
passenger comfort.
Upon
entry into the vehicle, chrome, silver and red accents
have a dynamic presence throughout the interior. A
three-pod, four-gauge instrument cluster with
electroluminescent lighting, featuring white gauges with
red pointers, is accented by silver bands, giving the
interior a sense of technical precision. Most stunning
is the vehicle’s satin silver center console, which
houses a DVD-based navigation radio with a seven-inch
fixed LED screen, control buttons, shifter knob, door
handles, gauges, speakers. The driver pedals are made of
brushed aluminum with black rubber anti-slip inserts.
The
seats, which have a rich, polished appearance, are black
leather with rugged bright red inserts. Black netting
placed in the center of the head rests gives the vehicle
a built-for-fun appeal. Assist handles are located in
the back of the front driver and passenger seats to
enable easy entry and exit. Front passenger and rear
seats fold flat, allowing for ample cargo capacity.
Tucked
under the hood is a 3.7-liter SOHC V6 engine that
provides efficient, durable and smooth driving. It
produces 210 hp at 5,200 rpm and 314 Nm of torque at
4,000 rpm. A sophisticated Electronic Throttle Control
system tailors throttle response to pedal movement based
on operating conditions, and maintains a consistent
vehicle speed on rolling grades when in cruise control.
There is also an exhaust gas recirculation valve on the
engine, which helps increase fuel economy.
The
vehicle is equipped with coil-spring independent front
suspension and five-link, coil-spring rear suspension,
including upper and lower trailing links and track bar,
providing higher lateral stiffness for vehicle
responsiveness and outstanding handling. Ample
suspension wheel travel is provided to maintain
consistent ride quality, especially when the vehicle is
loaded or towing a trailer.
The
Dodge Nitro 4x4 features a part-time four-wheel-drive
system. Two-wheel and four-wheel-drive modes are
electronically controlled by a switch on the center
console, which can be selected at any time.
And to
protect the occupants, the Dodge Nitro has several
standard safety and security features that include
four-wheel disc brakes, antilock braking system and
brake assist system; electronic roll mitigation;
supplemental side-curtain air bags and next-generation
front airbags; Park Sense Rear park assist system;
speed-sensitive door locks; child safety locks; keyless
entry with engine mobilizer; and tire pressure
monitoring display. Also standard is the Electronic
Stability Program (ESP), which aids the driver in
maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe
maneuvers on any type of surface. Using signals from
sensors throughout the vehicle, ESP determines the
appropriate brake and throttle adjustments.
Pegged
at P1.9 million, the Dodge Nitro is priced to meet the
challenge of the competition head-on. |
