Dodge Journey 2.0 CRD SXT

May 3 2009 Malcolm Robertshaw

LOOKING more estate car than MPV, the Dodge Journey embraces the practicality and spaciousness of a people carrier while providing an attractive alternative to the traditional styling enjoyed by the majority of MPV owners.

Dubbed by its creators as being 'for people who need an MPV but don't want it to appear so' the Dodge Journey does fulfil these requirements, delivering five or seven-seat accommodation within a quite stylish shape which could perhaps also be mistaken for some kind of off-roader.

With a choice of 2.4-litre petrol power or a 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is driven here, the two-box design Journey is undoubtedly a Dodge with its bold, muscular exterior styling cues dominated at the front by the Ram's Head badge flanked by sculpted wheel arches and a rear view which boasts a tailgate with integrated spoiler.

In an interior, which is perhaps the best one to date by Dodge, there are smart chrome inserts and soft-touch plastics atop the dashboard. While the car looks and feels well screwed together, the three types of upholstery, cloth on the SE model, stain and odour resistant anti-static seat fabric for the SXT model and leather as standard on the R/T all have a serviceable look and feel to them.

Standard kit is generous with the entry level SE providing the likes of air con with controls for all three rows of seats, six-speaker sound system with six-disc DVD, six airbags, electric front windows, an interior mirror to observe happenings of youngsters the rear of cabin, three 12-volt outlets, cooled glovebox and illuminated cupholders.

The SXT model driven here also gets 17 inch alloys, front fogs, powered six-way driver's seat adjust, trip computer with compass and cruise control. Security and safety, too, has been well addressed and electronic stability programme driver's safety aid comes as standard.

The Dodge Journey provides much flexibility in terms of seating and storing your stuff.

The front passenger seat can safely house valuables thanks to the Flip and Stow storage system. There are really useful under-floor hidden storage bins behind the front seats and the third row while cupholders and smaller depositories can accommodate sun glasses and items accumulated while on the move.

Although some occupants may find middle row legroom isn't over generous and the third row of seats is perhaps more kiddies' corner, even with all seven seats taken there is still room for a couple of bags in the boot. And should luggage prove more important than passengers then the five rear seats can easily be folded flat to boost stowage space even further.

The Journey features cinema-type seating with rows two and three situated progressively higher than row one ensuring that everyone can see out of the windows, proving particularly helpful for keeping youngsters entertained over the long haul.

Despite sizeable dimensions, the Dodge Journey feels quite at home on the tarmac, feeling far from cumbersome and noise is well contained.

Paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gear change, the Volkswagen-sourced 2.0-litre turbo diesel produces some strong levels of mid-range urge from its 138bhp while returning around 44mpg over the combined driving cycle to help boost further its family credentials.

FAST FACTS

Dodge Journey 2.0 CRD SXT 5dr

Price: £19,795

Mechanical: 138bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 116mph

0-62mph: 11.6 seconds

Combined mpg: 43.5

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 170g/km

BiK rating: 25%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles