Dodge Journey (08-10) - Review

Although a 170bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine is available, poor fuel economy of 32mpg means that it isn't very popular. Instead the 140bhp 2.0-litre CRD diesel - sourced from Volkswagen - is the engine to go for. It isn't the smoothest or quietest unit around, but does provide strong pulling power from low down and gives the Journey a decent turn of pace with a 0-62mph time of 11.6 seconds. It comes with a slick six-speed manual gearbox as standard or there's the optional six-speed automatic which uses two clutches to provide super-fast shifts. Economy with the manual gearbox is fairly good at 44mpg while opting for the automatic sees this fall to 40mpg.

Dodge claims the Journey has a sporty demeanour, but the steering lacks the sharp control of the best alternatives from the likes of Ford, while vagueness around the centre position means constant corrections are needed to maintain a straight line when steadily cruising. As it stands taller than a traditional estate, the car is at its best on major routes - it feels heavy in corners, but copes generally well in brisk progress.