New Dodge Journey SUV Crossover grabs seven seats
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 18 August 2008
Like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sedona before it, the new Dodge SUV Crossover will be taking more passengers on its particular 'Journey' when it throws itself upon MPV-driving UK drivers this month, with the announcement that it’s upping its already versatile ante by the power of two seats.And just like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sedona before it, the new Dodge Journey will parade the slightly baffling ‘5+2’ tag, instead of just coming out and saying 7 seats. MT doesn’t know quite why this is so difficult for SUV and MPV manufacturers’ to say. We blame Cecil and Sheridan trapped in their marketing thought bubbles again.Anyway, self-serving gripes aside, the new front wheel drive Dodge Journey will have this new-fangled 5+2 seating arrangement spread across the length and breadth of its current model range. Billed as the ‘family friendly’ Journey, it spawns a few new child-friendly features to unashamedly tug at the parents heartstrings. And purse strings too, given that the range starts from £16,995 for the 2.4-litre SE petrol. And that’s a 10% head and shoulders-less than its key competitors, the Ford S-MAX, Renault Grand Scenic and Toyota Corolla VersoThis entry-level model also comes with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring, power-folding and heated mirrors, ‘leccy windows, six-disc CD with the usual MPS-compatibility set-up and, and it’s a big AND, rear conversation mirrors.A convex “conversation” mirror that allows front-seat passengers to maintain eye contact with those in the back. We think Dodge might be on to something there. They should definitely give the patent office a bell.This tilt and side-flexible seating system for 6+1 boasts rear doors that fling open to 90-degrees, which makes the installation of little-person seats a walk in the park. And there’s spacious under-floor storage bins and under-seat storage areas too. The former handy for used nappies, the latter for new nappies. Bingo!
Set out in bench-like rows of three, the seating system benefits from climate control that operates independent of section in the Dodge Journey MPV/SUV/Crossover estate/Minivan. It’s confused, what can we say.Federico Goretti, Managing Director of Chrysler UK, said: “The Dodge Journey is aimed at families that need the functionality and utility of an MPV, but don’t want the look of a traditional people carrier.”Choice of engines to power your new Dodge Journey run to a 2.0-litre diesel – that houses either a DIY manual transmission, or a lazee-boy dual-clutch auto box – that harvests up to 43.5mpg, or a 2.4-litre petrol lump that doesn’t offer quite as much miles for your pricey gallon.
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