Dodge Nitro 4x4

ON THE ROAD

Performance
The Nitro looks like a beast, but in reality it's pretty tame. The 3.7-litre V6 petrol has 213bhp, but it's desperately short on low-down muscle and the four-speed automatic gearbox blunts performance even further. The 175bhp 2.8-litre diesel isn't much better. Work the standard six-speed manual gearbox hard and pace is adequate, but nothing more. A five-speed automatic gearbox is an option.

Ride & handling
The Nitro looks like it'll go anywhere, but you have to switch from rear- to four-wheel drive manually and there's no low-ratio gearbox or hill descent system. There's no on-road benefit, either; the Nitro's bouncy ride, lazy steering and pronounced body roll through bends makes it feel like a big, old-fashioned 4x4.

Refinement
Whether you go for the diesel or petrol option, both of the Nitro's engines are coarse and noisy. The diesel's manual gearbox has a heavy, obstructive gearshift, too. Road noise is present without being too much of a problem, but the Nitro's bluff shape generates a lot of wind noise at speed.

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Entry-level SE models are reasonably priced and come with a decent standard of kit, but it's a big step up to SXT models and they don't look such good value. It's too early to comment on resale values, but the Nitro drinks more fuel and emits more carbon dioxide than many rivals, so long-term running costs will be comparatively high.

Quality & reliability
Step from rivals such as a Land Rover Freelander into a Nitro and you'd think you were in a much cheaper car; there's lot of unappealing hard grey plastic and the switchgear doesn't feel particularly classy. Even so, everything feels solidly screwed together and the styling is clean and modern. It's too early yet to comment on long-term reliability.

Safety & security
Every Nitro has a pair of front airbags and curtain airbags that cover the whole side window area. To help avoid an accident in the first place, there's a stability control system that includes a function to lessen the chance of the car rolling over. An alarm and deadlocks help to guard against theft.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
The Nitro's dash is straightforward and all-round visibility is fine, but you sit high and, despite height adjustment for the seat, taller drivers may struggle to make themselves comfortable. More headroom would help, as would a steering wheel that adjusts for reach, not just for height.

Space & practicality
The Nitro has generous legroom for four people and a fifth rear passenger can sit comfortably, too. Headroom is good in the back, but not as plentiful in the front. The boot is a good size and shape, but it's shallower than many rivals'. The 60/40 split rear seat folds to leave a flat space, and SXT models have a sliding boot floor, which is helpful when loading heavy items.

Equipment
The Nitro comes in either SE or SXT trim. Standard kit is pretty good on the SE, with 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning and four electric windows. There's a big jump in price to SXT, but you gain a mass of cosmetic upgrades (including 20-inch alloy wheels), reversing sensors, cruise control and a special stain-resistant interior fabric. Leather trim is an option, as is a sophisticated entertainment and sat-nav system