Dodge Journey Blacktop Edition hits the streets

Australia's only Dodge-branded vehicle, the Journey MPV, is now available as a "Blacktop" edition.

Numerous enhancements add to the price, but provide a degree of distinctiveness to suit buyers prepared to pay extra for something a little different.

Tagged at $2000 more than the top-shelf Journey R/T, the Blacktop Edition has been treated to a gloss-black treatment that includes the normally silver 19-inch alloy wheels, the exterior mirrors, grille and headlight housings, as well as the "applique" bar in the lower air intake.

The treatment adds extra attitude to the Journey, but does not extend to the interior where the regular list of R/T equipment remains untouched: Leather seats (heated in the front), driver's-seat power lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry and keyless go, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, satellite navigation, 8.4-inch touch screen multimedia system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, 368-Watt six speaker sound system with subwoofer, second-row overhead video screen with wireless headphones, automatic headlights and a rechargeable torch.

Like all Journey models, the Blacktop driveline comprises Chrysler's 206kW/342Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 driving through a six-speed automatic transmission. A five-seater in regular R/T form, the Journey Blacktop Edition can be specified with seven seats.

The Journey Blacktop is available in six colours – Redline Red, White, Pearl White Tri-Coat, Pitch Black, Granite Crystal and Billet Silver – and is available now at Dodge dealerships for a pre on-roads price of $38,500. The regular Journey S/T is priced at $36,500 while the base SXT model is priced at $32,500, both before on-road costs.