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Nitro packed with power [Gulf Daily News, Manama, Bahrain](Gulf Daily News (Bahrain) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 23--Dodge is muscling in on a market crowded with mid-sized sport utility vehicles (SUVs), with the Nitro R/T. It is the first of its kind to be offered in Bahrain by the iconic brand and is bound to shake up the competition. The Nitro R/T does not have the usual frills but offers in their place raw power and practicality -- essential features for a winning combination, at a relatively affordable price. I was not keen at first, thinking the R/T would be like so many other SUVs -- but I was wrong. This is a powerhouse that combines muscle with style and fun with practicality. Its four-litre, V6 engine is packed with 'attitude' and since the vehicle is smaller than most others in its class, it packs quite a punch. The distinctive style, sporty performance and cargo flexibility is no mean achievement and once behind the wheel, it feels no less than a full-sized SUV. It felt even better because this was the first time I was handling a Dodge -- having at the last minute changed my mind about buying one, a few years ago. I cannot say I regretted that decision, but a few days with the R/T made me wonder whether I would have been actually better off. But coming back to the R/T, it is not just another mid-size SUV with rather mundane looks. Instead, the bold styling and masculine swagger of Dodge is hot-wired into the vehicle, inside and out. It is designed and engineered to ignite a segment characterised by bland, mild-mannered entries and spearheads the Dodge brand's entry into this market. Of course, the look is not the only thing that stands out with the R/T. It is also a functional automobile, with its spacious interior offering room for five passengers, innovative cargo features and the seating and storage flexibility to handle the needs of all those inside and their gear. The R/T has 20-inch aluminium platinum clad wheels and performance tyres would have any driver using the phrases "sporty" and "SUV" in the same sentence. It has well-appointed in digital entertainment and communication technologies, including MP3, CD, DVD, USB, VES (Video Entertainment System). A new multi-media infotainment system allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. The R/T owes its masculine appearance to a number of elements: the signature Dodge crosshair grille with its three-dimensional ram's head, prominent fender flares, substantial body size and high beltline. Even the exterior mirrors and door handles are brawny. On the inside, the R/T has supportive, comfortable and attractive two-tone seats. The front passenger seat folds flat, while the reclining rear seats fold 60/40. Across from Nitro's beefy four-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel is a three-pod, four-gauge instrument panel. The gauges are black with grey and white graphics and orange pointers, creating a look of technical precision. Storage is plentiful, with a centre console, driver and passenger side-door compartments and a map pocket behind the driver's seat. The 'load and go floor' at the back of the vehicle is an innovation. This sliding panel holds up to 400 pounds and is ideal for loading and unloading packages and other items. A reversible, moulded cargo load floor, durable and washable, is standard on the Nitro. The engine delivers 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft (359 Nm) of torque at 4,200 rpm. It also provides more power and torque, with emphasis on low-and mid-range operation, to meet the needs of the day-to-day driver. This very capable unit is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission, featuring electronic range select driver-interactive shift control. Another impressive feature is the coil-spring, independent front suspension and a five-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The emphasis is on responsive, fun-to-drive handling, accompanied by a firm ride. This system features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks and bushings for improved cornering and increased traction. This was very much in evidence when I went back to my newly-discovered 'test track' off the Durrat highway. The R/T took to the dunes as if it was made for them, in the company of scores of other SUV enthusiasts out putting their vehicles to the test. It was great fun and has obviously become such a regular weekend haunt for drivers that there were even police on hand in case of mishaps. The R/T, like any other Dodge, is no stranger to the importance of safety with a full range of active and passive safety systems. Standard equipment includes an Electronic Stability Programme, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, Advanced Anti-lock Brakes and Side-curtain Air Bags. A flip side to this is that the side air bags have been known to deploy on extremely steep off-road drives! Overall, I felt here was an extremely responsive vehicle, perfectly suited for city and off-road experiences but, at the same time, it would not have taken much more effort to have made the interior a little plusher. But that, perhaps, would have told on the overall cost. You cannot get everything all the time! The Nitro R/T is available at its dealers Behbehani Brothers, Sitra, and Ahmed Zayani and Sons, Zinj, with prices starting from BD10,600. |