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Dodge Durango While both the Chrysler 300C and Town & Country are designed for the city streets, those with a more intrepid nature, will go for the all-new Dodge Durango. While the previous model was uninspiring, the new model is striking with its large crosshair grille and headlamp cluster. Using an American grizzly bear as a basis, the designers ended with an upright profile with flanked off wheel arches—raw, powerful and well-balanced. It may look large in photos, but the Durango retains its unique “in-between” size, meaning it’s not as compromised as a mid-sized SUV, but not gargantuan as a full-sized one. This equates to excellent seating for 7 without having to occupy a large footprint on the road. Sister company Jeep’s expertise on SUVs has given the Durango an advanced drive train that’s equally robust and capable on- or off-road. The body-on-frame structure has been stiffed for better tarmac handling, while the standard 265/70 R 17 all-season tires provide the necessary grip. At the same time, the Durango’s high ground clearance, steep arrival/departure angle and four-wheel drive system make it as capable on the Rubicon trail. The four-wheel drive system has 6 modes: rear-wheel, automatic, full-time, low, locking and neutral, making it the most advanced in its class. The 4.7-liter Magnum V8’s 230 horsepower and 393Nm certainly won’t leave anyone lacking while five forward cogs on the automatic give it better fuel mileage than most. Rugged and capable, the Durango is equally luxurious with leather seats, dual zone climate control, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, electronically adjustable front seats, satin silver accents and keyless entry with alarm and immobilizer all as standard. All these vehicles from Chrysler and Dodge are certainly dreamy, but their prices are realistically attainable. Similar to a good price war in the North American market, CATS Motors has priced the 300C, Town & Country and Durango to put it in competitive terms with its American and Japanese rivals. The Durango for instance, which competes against the likes of the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Trailblazer is not that far off with its P 2.45 million tag. The Town & Country’s P 2.15 million asking price is again well within the region of the Toyota Previa and Chevrolet Venture. In the end though, the Chrysler 300C’s P 2.55 million tag is certainly inviting given its extensive specifications and powerful V6 engine—and its closest size rivals are almost double the price! At the rate things are going, these American gods are certainly going to become stuff of legend. |
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