Oz Nitro models confirmed

New-again-to-Oz brand, Dodge, has confirmed the local line-up of its new urban SUV, the Nitro. Launched to the international media in Spain recently, the aggressively-styled all-wheel drive will arrive in Australia in July. And when it does, two models will be on offer with both petrol and diesel powertrains available.

In a Carsales Network exclusive, Chrysler Group Australia boss, Gerry Jenkins, revealed yesterday that Nitro would debut in both SX and SXT variants.

The base model SX will follow overseas specification leads and include electric windows, aircon, cruise, YES Essentials stain-resistant cloth upholstery, reclining split fold rear-seating and high-level audio systems. It rolls on 16-inch alloys.

Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Assist System, Traction Control System, Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM), multi-stage front air bags, full-length side curtain air bags and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Meantime, Australia's SXT range-topper will build on the above offering an upgraded sound system and interior and Dodge's LOAD 'N GO sliding rear cargo floor and Rear Park Assist. Leather upholstery will be offered as an option.

The SXT will also arrive Down Under wearing serious 20-inch alloys and wide low-profile tyres as standard equipment. In other markets the SXT rolls on 17-inch rubber.

The Nitro is classed as a mid-sized SUV. It is 4584mm long, 1856mm wide, 1773mm high and rides on a 2763mm wheelbase.

By way of comparison, the US-built five-door, five-seat wagon is around 50mm shorter than Holden's Captiva and 40mm narrower than the Ford Territory. It is taller than both by around 50mm and its wheelbase is smack in the middle of the two.

Nitro will offer similar engine/transmission choices as the recently-released Jeep Wrangler. Though the US-market 4.0 V6 will not be available, Australia will get the Jeep's petrol 3.7-litre V6 boasting 151kW and 314Nm as the standard engine. This transmission is matched to four-speed auto

The Nitro's turbodiesel option is the Chrysler Group's latest 2.8-litre 16-valve common-rail direct-injection four. The all-new oiler has already won praise in the new Wrangler and will be coupled with both six-speed manual and five-speed auto transmissions in the Nitro. Power output is 130kW, but more telling is the engine's healthy 460Nm of torque (in auto form).

Unlike other markets, all Nitros coming Down Under will feature all-wheel drive. It's not known whether Dodge will add rear-wheel drive only variants at a later date.

An obviously enthused Jenkins told the Carsales Network: "The Dodge Nitro has a wide range of potential customers ranging from mid-sized SUV's through to Falcon and Commodore owners looking for something different.

"The Nitro's certainly fresh with great macho styling," he said.

Jenkins described the Nitro's look as "get outa my way styling". And stated he believed the "kick-ass" turbodiesel option would be particularly attractive to buyers.

Though local pricing has not been announced he stated it would "surprise and delight."

Just how 'delightful' is the subject of some conjecture. Given the aggressive pricing of the recently-released Jeep Wrangler and Dodge's 'new brand' status, it's likely the Nitro will kick off below $40,000.

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