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Dodge Nitro Released Locally
28th June, 2007 | ||||
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Dodge, struggling for success in Australia with its Caliber (May YTD sales of only 424 units), brings its approach to the highly competitive mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the local release of the Dodge Nitro. The five-passenger Nitro features a 'not-so-attractive' approach to styling. This is the second model for the Dodge brand in the current Australian market and it will be available from next week. Like its competitors, the Dodge Nitro offers the mid-size SUV must-haves: space, functionality and flexibility. Nitro’s fold-flat, first-row passenger seat and second-row seats offer a variety of loading options. Also, new is the LOAD ‘N GO™ cargo floor, which slides 45 cm rearward for easy loading and unloading and holds up to 181 kilogrammes. With heated leather trimmed seats, a DVD-based navigation system, entertainment system options and numerous safety and security features, the Dodge Nitro is an intention to get a small foothold in the highly lucrative mid-size SUV market, currently dominated by such success stories as the Mitsubishi Outlander, Holden Captiva, Kia Sorento and Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Dodge Nitro features digital entertainment and communication technologies, including MP3, CD, DVD, USB and a new one, MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control all of Nitro’s entertainment and communication technologies and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. Not to be Mistaken for Any Other Sport-utility Vehicle on the Market To better understand a new product, sometimes it helps to know what it is not. Take the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro, for example. Nitro is not another mid-size sport-utility vehicle with attractive and/or functional styling. Instead, the unusual styling of Dodge is introduced to Nitro, on a like it or not basis. Nitro’s interior has room for five passengers, innovative cargo features and the seating and storage flexibility to handle the needs of people and their gear. 2007 Dodge Nitro: Design When designing the first Dodge mid-size SUV, Dodge designers wanted to do more than capture the spirit of the Dodge brand; they wanted to ignite the mid-size SUV segment. To achieve an appearance unlike anything in Nitro’s segment, the designers introduced elements and themes that are different, very different in fact. The result is an unmistakable Dodge Nitro with an ability to attract buyers or, even, turn them away! The Nitro comes in two models: Dodge Nitro SX and Dodge Nitro SXT. Basic to every Dodge vehicle is the crosshair grille, which is just one of many design elements that define the 'persona' of Dodge Nitro. The grille – chrome on both the Dodge Nitro SX and Dodge Nitro SXT — is emblazoned with a three-dimensional ram’s head. Jewel-like rectangular headlamps prominently wrap the corners of the vehicle and a clamshell bonnet (a la Land Rover) with strong lines completes the front end. The side of the vehicle features a deep body section and high beltline, which dominate the vehicle’s appearance. Wheels pushed to the corners, with massive wheel arches, convey Nitro’s unique appearance. Dodge Nitro SXT comes equipped with 20-inch platinum aluminium wheels and tyres as standard. 
The interior of the five-passenger Dodge Nitro is spacious, functional and flexible for people and cargo. The headliner allows maximum headroom and there is plenty of legroom for first- and second-row passengers. The Dodge Nitro receives chrome detail on the steering wheel, instrument cluster, centre console, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls and door handles. The gear shifter and control buttons are substantial in size and bold by design. The Dodge Nitro has a fold-flat front-passenger seat, as well as fold-flat rear seats. Those rear seats also recline for added passenger comfort. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SXT is the LOAD ’N GO cargo floor, which slides 45 cm rearward for easy and convenient loading and unloading of packages. The LOAD ’N GO cargo floor can hold up to 181 Kilogrammes and is made of a heavy-duty plastic for easy cleaning. Standard on the Dodge Nitro SX is a reversible load floor. Technical highlights All-New Suspension Systems The Dodge Nitro features an all-new coil-spring independent front suspension and an all-new five-link, coil-spring rear suspension. The independent front suspension gives the driver an optimum combination of ride, handling and steering, providing a greater sense of control and precision. The solid five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and track bar, provides 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. Performance-oriented drivers will be intrigued to know that the new performance suspension is standard on both Dodge Nitro models. Here the emphasis is on responsive handling accompanied by a firm ride. This system features a revised sway bar, springs, shocks and bushings. Dodge Nitro features a sport suspension that delivers responsive handling with a comfortable ride. This tuning offers a strong balance between ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling. The sport suspension will appeal to a cross section of buyers looking for comfort and solid on-road performance. Effort, feel and response on the Nitro’s rack-and-pinion steering system are tuned to give the driver control and feedback from the steering force exerted by the tyres. The steering linkage design allows for a tighter turning circle. Transmissions Standard transmissions are a four-speed automatic for the petrol engine and a five-speed automatic for the diesel engine. The four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Dodge Nitro and is matched to the 3.7-litre V-6 engine. The transmission provides optimal shift quality. Line pressure within the transmission is based on demand for improved fuel efficiency. A five-speed automatic transmission is also available when matched to the optional 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine. Two Wheel and Part-Time Four-Wheel-Drive System The Dodge Nitro has a switchable 4x4 system that allows the driver to switch between two wheel (rear wheel) drive and a part-time four-wheel-drive system. 
The Nitro has a unique single speed, part time transfer case. Two wheel drive and four wheel drive modes are electronically controlled via a switch in the centre consol. Either mode can be selected at any time. The Nitro’s transfer case works in conjunction with the Traction Control and the ESP features to provide enhanced traction and stability on low traction surfaces. 3.7-litre SOHC V6 The 3.7-litre SOHC V6 engine provides the 2007 Dodge Nitro with a standard engine that is efficient, durable and smooth. It produces 151 kW @ 5,200 rpm and 314 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Refinements in the valve train and combustion chamber, working together as a system, enhance low-speed torque while providing a smooth idle and minimal engine noise. 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 cruise control is active. Also new on the 3.7-litre engine is an exhaust gas recirculation valve, which helps increase fuel economy. The 3.7-litre V6 is standard on the Dodge Nitro SX and Dodge Nitro SXT models. 2.8-litre Turbo Diesel The 2.8-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine allows consumers the opportunity to option their Dodge Nitro with an alternative fuelled engine. It produces 130 kW @ 3,800 rpm and 460 Nm of torque @ 2,000 rpm. Brakes Four-wheel-disc, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard on the Dodge Nitro. The vehicle’s larger rotors contribute to excellent stopping and handling capability. All-speed traction control is standard on the Dodge Nitro and is engineered to transfer torque from one wheel to another on the same axle when wheel slip conditions are detected. Also standard on the Dodge Nitro is the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe manoeuvres on any type of surface. Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, ESP determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS 2007 Dodge Nitro SX - Standard Features
2007 Dodge Nitro SX - Options
2007 Dodge Nitro SXT - Standard Features (over and above SX model)
2007 Dodge Nitro SXT - Options
2007 DODGE NITRO SAFETY AND SECURITY EQUIPMENT
Prices (RRP) 2007 Dodge Nitro SX - $36,990 2007 Dodge Nitro SXT - $39,990 | |||||
ABN 47106248033 |
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