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Socially speaking, it's probably not a good time to be launching a 4x4, especially one that's potentially the most overt small off-roader on the market. So the five-seater Dodge Nitro has its work cut out from day one.
That distinctive styling, especially the front end that looks like it'll sprout horns at any moment, will certainly mean Nitro drivers will be noticed. But Dodge bosses seem unconcerned about the pressure being applied to 4x4s and their drivers at the moment, pointing to the success of the Range Rover Sport in the past two years despite environmental opposition it faced at launch.
What's becoming a traditional Dodge problem of poor interior plastics again rears its ugly head in the Nitro. However, as should be the case with the brand's most expensive mainstream product, they're better than the cheaper models. There's also no reach adjustment on the steering wheel - which is on the saloon Avenger opposite - and that combines with a seat that doesn't drop low enough to create a less-than-perfect driving position. The manual's chunky gear shift is also a bit of a challenge - it's set too far away from the driver making fifth gear something of a reach.
On the road things the 2.8-litre diesel provides just about enough power, but has refinement levels only commercial vehicle drivers will be familiar with. It's predictably at its worse under acceleration, but even at steady motorway speed, there's nothing here to worry the Nitro's key rivals - Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe - on the engine front.
As with the Avenger there's the odd omission of a passenger grab handle, which will be sorely missed by a keen drivers' passenger because the Nitro struggles to cope with any kind of bump. At low speed it's fine, but as the pace builds, it lurches forward, backwards, left, right, up and down almost all at once. There's very little poise or control, and while this is a problem with all off-roaders to a certain extent, the Nitro takes it to extremes.
Which is a shame because it ruins what could have been a likeable model. It's competitively priced and well specced, especially in SXT trim that adds the innovative 'Load n go' sliding boot floor among other things. The looks, price, spec and the brand itself will be enough to attract some, but the Nitro is well below average in a rapidly improving sector.
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