'Feel good' powerhouse.

Byline: Mandeep Singh

Several years ago, while on a visit to the UK, I was forced to go on a guided trip to the world-renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, in the New Forest, Southern England.

Driving in blinding rain was not my cup of tea, especially to see a collection of old cars.

But one of the cars I saw was a very large Dodge and I came away hoping I would one day drive one.

Years later, when I test drove and wrote about the Dodge Nitro, I remembered 'that' Dodge and resolved to try out a larger one later.

Now, several months down the line, I find myself behind the wheel of a Durango, perhaps the icing on the cake in the area of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV).

The powerhouse, that is the 2009 Durango, comes with an eight cylinder 5.7 litre hemispherical engine. It might be huge, rather high, with three rows of comfortable seats inside but is very light to manoeuvre.

Ambience

It has a feather-touch steering wheel and an extremely luxurious ambience, which all go to make a feel-good vehicle.

Dodge started off as a company that made bicycles in early 1900s and has evolved into one of the largest carmakers in the world - with the Durango its showpiece SUV.

The unique selling point of the 2009 model is that it combines V8 power with V6-like fuel efficiency.

For the regular Durango line, the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 makes more power with no fuel-economy penalty, thanks to cylinder deactivation.

It still looks like a dinosaur, but I am comfortable with that look and feel since, I am often told, it goes with my style and love for large cars.

The current-generation Durango started five years ago and it follows the traditional SUV playbook with a body-on-frame design (rather than the increasingly more common car-like unit-body design of crossover SUVs) and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

This rugged construction lends itself better to towing and off-roading.

It handled very well in Bahrain's "off road" areas despite the large size, but I have not yet tested its towing abilities - I would have to have to own a trailer or a boat first!

Clearly, the Durango is one of the most powerful choices in the market. Its engine cranks out an impressive 376 horsepower but, as expected, even with the improvements, its fuel economy is pretty dismal.

The Durango is really only a viable choice for those who need loads of family space - and to tow heavy loads.

But it is true lovers of the Dodge brand - and the appeal it carries - who prefer to own it.

Of course, unlike many other vehicles in its class, the Durango perhaps offers the best value for money, coming with a very attractive price tag of less than BD10,000 for an all-options model.

Standard equipment on the Durango includes 17-inch steel wheels, fog lamps, air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilting steering wheel, a 40/20/40-split second row and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

The premium models add 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, a power driver seat, reclining second-row seats, stain-repellent upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer.

The leather upholstery, power-adjustable pedals, heated front-row seats and running boards are all there to give the vehicle an additional feel and look.

The 2009 Durango is also one of the quickest SUVs available for the money and the traditional Hemi roar is obvious.

Dodge balances modern functionality and the very latest technology with the excitement of a history in racing and street cruising.

The brand's tradition of power, style and rugged dependability guarantees models that are genuinely exciting to drive and also offer total value for money.

No wonder that Dodge Middle East sales have been reported as going up dramatically as the range has expanded and the brand now spearheads the Chrysler group's market share expansion in the region.

Also, the legendary 5.7 litre Hemi V8 engine that powers the Durango and other models - the Challenger and the Charger - has once again earned a place on Ward's distinguished 10 Best Engines list.

With improved multi-displacement system technology for increased fuel efficiency (around 13 litres for 100km), added refinement and more power, the all-new Hemi V8 engine delivers world-class performance and technology.

Mild criticisms would include the steering-wheel mounted gear lever and I would also have been happier with more boot space with three rows of seats intact, because it quickly became cramped after getting seven passengers and the camping gear in.

Clearly, there was no room for the dog!

The Durango is available at its dealers, Ahmed Zayani and Sons, in Zinj, with prices starting from BD8,500.

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Copyright 2009 Gulf Daily News

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