Nitro rocks Melbourne

THE small Caliber hatch got the ball rolling for Dodge in Australia last year and now it is the Nitro’s turn.

Based on the Jeep Cherokee platform, the Nitro SUV made its Australian public debut at Friday’s Melbourne motor show opening – six months before its official release in August.

The Nitro is Dodge’s first mid-size five-seat SUV and will become the second Dodge to be sold here after the Caliber, which arrived late last year. Like the Cherokee, it will be available with both petrol and diesel engines.

The new off-roader offers function as well as form, with a cargo floor that extends out 460mm over the rear bumper and can hold up to 180kg to facilitate the easy loading of heavy items.

It also offers electronic stability control, traction control and multi-stage airbags as part of its safety package. In-car entertainment includes a CD/DVD/MP3 player and a new innovation, the “MyGIG” multimedia information and entertainment system.

Prices and Australian specifications will be announced at the Nitro’s official launch in the third quarter of 2007.

Read more: Dodge Nitro ready to rock Melbourne