Dodge Nitro (07-09) - Review

There's decent leg and head room in the back of the Nitro but the seats aren't especially comfortable and lack support, which is noticeable on long journeys. All cars get air conditioning, but rear passengers don't have their own directional vents as in many other cars. The 20-inch alloys fitted to the SXT model also make a significant contribution to road noise on poor surfaces. Engine noise in the diesel seems better suppressed in the automatic version compared with the six-speed manual.

The Nitro seems to fall short of luggage space with the rear seats in place at 369 litres - no more than in a Ford Focus. However, this increases to 1994 litres with the rear seats folded flat. The front passenger seatback also folds forward to help accommodate long items. SXT models come with a 'load 'n' go' slide out floor, which helps make loading heavy items easier plus stain, odour and fade-resistant fabric.

There's no other way to describe the interior other than cheap. The plastics are scratchy, brittle and rough to touch while even more unforgiveable is the poor build quality with exposed rough edges on show. The ugly and blocky design is unappealing too and overall the cabin doesn't feel like it belongs in a car with a price tag of £20,000. The steering column only adjusts for height, although on the SXT model there is an electrically adjustable driving seat, which should help achieve a more comfortable driving position.