Dodge Nitro. Nitroglycerin

Chrysler Group, presenting the Dodge Nitro, clearly expected not just to carve out its niche in the European market, but to create a real sensation. This midsize SUV is their first such attempt, and we need to figure out how powerful this "charge" will be.

First impressions are deceptive — and this is exactly such a case. When you look at the Nitro alone, without other cars nearby, it seems like a true giant. It's an optical illusion: an object we see more clearly and distinctly always appears larger. And here — the huge chrome grille, massive front bumper like a locomotive's, wide fender flares, 20-inch wheels, and a high window line with narrow, slit-like glass — all of this visually inflates the car to incredible proportions.

But the illusion dissipates as soon as you get closer. In reality, the Nitro is no larger than its platform sibling, the Jeep Liberty. True, unlike its "stepbrother," its technical content is noticeably simpler: no low-range gearing, no center differential. The entire off-road arsenal is an electrically engaged front axle that can distribute torque in a 50:50 ratio. Essentially, we have an ordinary crossover, of which there are plenty these days. And yet…

People are looking at us. Studying us. Just boring holes with their eyes. It seems our consumer has really missed brutal shapes — that's why they stare at this car from the windows of their "soap bars" like at a piece of real laundry soap. People want something rough, masculine, real. That's exactly what the designers were betting on: the car must grab, excite, blow minds. And it succeeds. The Nitro's appearance in city traffic is like a grenade going off. Everything freezes when it rolls out to an intersection, even from a secondary road. They yield to it, they admire it, they turn around for it. There are no indifferent people at all. The car is so emotionally charged that few think about whether there's any real substance behind this charisma.

And that substance, frankly, is rather mediocre. And it's not just about driving qualities — we'll get back to that later — but also about the interior. Nothing new: motorcycle-style instrument pods have been seen before, aluminum inserts won't surprise anyone either. Though, to be fair, it all looks quite decent, but without a "wow" effect. The exterior brutality didn't find its continuation inside: there are plenty of angles here, but the cabin doesn't grab you like the exterior does.

At the same time, the cabin is quite comfortable. There's enough space both front and rear. The seats have an optimal set of adjustments, and the second-row backrest can even be reclined. Throughout the cabin — from the ceiling down — there are niches for small items. The small glovebox is more than compensated by a huge armrest box between the front seats. The trunk doesn't impress with its size, but its 389 liters with the seats up and 1994 with them folded is quite sufficient. It would seem we could end the description here, if not for one detail — the trunk floor that slides out almost half a meter. This is indeed an interesting find. According to the developers' idea, such a panel should ease loading heavy items: pull it out, load, push it back. It can hold up to 181 kg. But there's a nuance: you'll have to toss the bag from shoulder height, since the loading height with this device is 85 cm. Isn't that a bit much? A dubious option. As are the sills — they're too wide and, alas, flimsy. Step on them — they sag and don't return to their original position. And after a month, they might even start dragging on the asphalt. So it's better not to order this "convenience," especially since you can get into the cabin without it.

For our market, the Nitro is offered with two engines: a 3.7-liter gasoline V6 and a four-cylinder inline diesel. Both are paired with automatic transmissions: the diesel with a 5-speed, the gasoline V6 with a proven 4-speed automatic. There's also a 4.0-liter gasoline V6, but it's not officially available here.

For the test, we took the gasoline version. The 205 hp is quite enough to provide decent dynamics: 10.3 seconds to 100 km/h with a curb weight of over 2.5 tons is a respectable result. On the road, the Nitro behaves well, but there are a couple of things that bother us. First, the steering: the power steering seems to work adequately, but there's no 100% feedback; the wheel feels "numb." Second, the brakes: press lightly — no reaction; press harder — the car stops dead. To avoid kissing anyone's bumper, you have to keep an increased distance, which, as you understand, is problematic in the city. However, the suspension turned out to be quite comfortable: the car goes smoothly, without body roll, nose dives, or squats, and holds confidently in corners. The whole impression is spoiled by those same 20-inch wheels. They look impressive, of course, but due to the low-profile tires, you have to keep high pressure in them, and they barely absorb bumps. For our roads, the option with 16-inch wheels would be preferable.

As for off-road — the Nitro, like any crossover, is strong only until serious mud begins. Real "direction" is clearly not its forte. At most, a beach or a packed dirt road. The developers themselves don't hide it: all-wheel drive here is only needed for confident driving on slippery surfaces in bad weather. But who will stop? Most likely, it will still be used as a full-fledged SUV.

Driving

On the road, it holds confidently, dynamics are decent. The high seating position gives a good view. Only the vague brakes let it down.

Interior

The ergonomics are purely American; the only European thing here is the handbrake. Nevertheless, all controls are in sight and easily accessible.

Comfort

The car is spacious and well-equipped. Sound insulation is decent. The audio system is of good quality.

Safety

Standard equipment includes 4 airbags, ESP, Brake Assist, ABS, traction control, and rollover prevention system.

Price

Somewhat overpriced.

Pros and cons

+ Unhackneyed looks, comfortable cabin, acceptable dynamics, adequate automatic transmission operation.

- Vague brakes, "numb" steering.

Our opinion

Judging by everything, this "dynamite" has every chance of becoming a bestseller in our market. But if you set aside the unusual looks, the Nitro in essence stands out little among competitors. The only question is whether the more affordable Jeep Liberty will take buyers away — time will tell.