Dodge Nitro test drive since 2006 SUV

Autoponetics

In English, many words are phonetically similar to the action that they mean. For example, Scratch really looks like a scratch, Shut to the sound of a slammed book or door, and Squeeze denotes compression, flattening. Now say loudly Nitro R/T. Rr.
 
Nitro R/T is an American, therefore it is not surprising that the phonetics of his name is similar to the sound, which makes his engine and exhaust system during acceleration. Growls, and even like a wounded tiger! There is something primitive, animal. Others are especially impressive when this uncouth block breaks off, having previously crumbled on the rear axle. The metallic voice of the motor, the immodest roar of the exhaust and the view of the Nitro rushing forward, as if screaming throughout the district: get outta my way! Together with the letters R/T at the rear door, the Nitro received a new 4-liter engine and additional, compared with the standard version, 55 hp. This power unit is the fruit of the evolution of a 3.5-liter V6, installed on other models of the Chrysler concern. With a more powerful Nitro engine, Nitro became noticeably more frequent than his brother, which we already talked about (motor, September, 2007). To be precise, then the acceleration time to 100 km/h has decreased by 1.8 C and is now 8.5 s. We then wrote about the modification of SXT: passport 10.3 s to hundreds seem dubious.
Now there is no doubt R/T accelerates well. Of course, this is the merit of automatic transmission, which has become five -stage. This is not to say that this box turned out to be a huge step forward compared to the usual one, which has four programs. The reaction to Kik-Dawn is still not speed, and the manual mode is here for a checkmark, because switching under full gas occur with a delay even more than in automatic mode. But in any case, five programs are better than four, and this machine operates more smoother. But the suspension, on the contrary, has become tougher and harder. It’s too early to say that Nitro is now capable of bringing on asphalt early, but still paired with the R/T 20-inch wheels, this Dodge has become more obedient. It is a pity that the changes did not affect the steering. Information on the steering wheel still strives for zero, and the effort on it is poorly connected with the angle of rotation of the wheels and acceleration. The impressive rear bridge exacerbates the situation.
At high speeds, the Nitro deviates from the trajectory, which is already difficult to set a low -sensitive steering wheel. And if the road is uneven, you must be prepared for the goat. The declared maximum speed of 202 km/h forces himself to be imbued with respect for factory testers. After 120 km/h, the lever under the hood of the tiger is no longer enough for the strength to fight with air masses, breaking on the bulldozer dump of the front bumper and on the steep wall of the huge grate of the radiator (in the version of R/T, it is painted in the color of the body), the acceleration dynamics noticeably deteriorate. And already at 160 km/h R/T, it requires a constant comprehensive driver, the dynamic corridor nowhere becomes wider, Nitro rushes in the rut. Although you can go quite quickly, the main thing is to think about maneuvers in advance, constantly chosen and remember that the brakes are here, as in the usual version.
 
But there are changes in the interior. And the most important of them are new front seats with lateral support, heated and embroidered on the back of the R/T logo. Even despite their relative American softness, in comparison with the flat seats of the usual Nitro, they are magnificent. Eh, they would have made a platform for the rest of the left leg, and we could talk about the ergonomics of the landing. And so, the free lower limb is constantly hanging on the floor to put it inconveniently, and you cannot get the front wheel to the inside of the arch of the front wheel. The dashboard and all controls remained unchanged, but the central console is different. A full-fledged climate control appeared and the most interesting sensory display of the Chrysler Multimedia MYGIG system with a hard drive, Bluetooth, USB, a six-disc CD/DVD changer, the ability to connect external audiopleers and navigation.
There is a second screen for the rear row passengers. The sound in R/T is reproduced from eight speakers and subwoofer. That's just shouting the constant RRRRR and external noises is not easy for them. Giving this modification the name R/T, Dodge probably thought not only about phonetic compliance. Has Nitro become better? At least he did not become worse and kept charisma. A more powerful motor and a new machine gun did not interfere with anyone yet. As well as various kinds of amenities in the cabin. And overpayment for all these charms is about 150,000 rubles (compared to the SXT version), it does not seem large, especially against the background of a completely moderate final price for a stylish large SUV.
NOTE
Load 'N Go can withstand up to 181 kg and really facilitates the use of the trunk, especially given a considerable loading height. And it is also convenient to sit with a friend and drink beer on it. Much more convenient chairs with heated and Touch-Screen Multimedia system Mygig appeared in the interior of R/T.

 
   
 

Source: Motor magazine [October 2008]