Review: Dodge KA Nitro (2007-11)

Overview

Released in June 2007, the Dodge KA Nitro was a five-seat SUV with a part-time four-wheel drive system. Manufactured in Ohio, USA, the Nitro was available with either a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine or a 3.7-litre V6 petrol unit. The Nitro was initially available in two SX and SXT editions, though a limited SX-R edition was released in 2009.

Engines

Of these engines,

• the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block with aluminium heads, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; and,
• the 2.8-litre VM Motori R428 turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block; and, aluminium heads, common-rail direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the KK Cherokee with which it shared its platform, the KA Nitro was 91 mm longer (at 4584 mm), 17 mm wider (1856 mm), 42 mm lower (1755 mm) and had a 69 mm longer wheelbase (2763 mm). Furthermore, the Nitro had a ‘Uniframe’ body which included elements of a ladder frame chassis that were welded to a monocoque body for greater rigidity.

Suspension

The KA Nitro had independent front suspension with short- and long-arms and a live rear axle with five-links; both the front and rear suspension had coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers.

Part-time 4WD system

The Nitro had a part-time four-wheel drive system. For bitumen roads, the 2WD mode was exclusively rear-wheel drive; for loose gravel or other slippery surfaces, however, the 4WD mode provided permanent four-wheel drive. When returning to bitumen, however, the 4WD system had to be disengaged (via a dashboard switch).

Safety equipment

Standard Nitro safety equipment included dual front airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Nitro SX included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD/DVD player and MP3-compatibility, air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, roof rails, cargo cover, a 12 volt power outlet, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser. Inside, the Nitro had 65/35 split, folding and reclining rear seats; the passenger seat could also fold flat to maximize cargo space.

The Nitro SXT was further equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, a nine speaker sound system (including subwoofer), two-tone seat trim, stain- and odour-resistant seat fabrics, a power adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior chrome accents, tinted windows and trip computer. An optional ‘Luxury Group’ pack added a sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats and alarm system.

March 2009: Nitro update

The Nitro underwent a minor update in March 2009, with a chilled glovebox made standard across the range. Although the SX edition received 20-inch alloys, its sound system was downgraded to a four-speaker unit.

2009 Nitro SX-R edition

Released in March 2009, the limited-run SX-R edition was based on the SX, but distinguished by its 20-inch alloy wheels, leather seats with embroidered Dodge logo on the front seats, 20GB MyGig information and entertainment system with satellite navigation, DVD player, auxiliary sound system inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

Brochure

• Brochure: Dodge KA Nitro (August 2010)

Related links

• Technical Specifications: Dodge KA Nitro (June 2007)
• Wikipedia.org: Dodge Nitro