Page 16 · Richmond Review
Friday, January 31, 2014
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Welcome Welcom me to the driver’s seat
Durango is yet another example of what Chrysler is doing right. I enjoyed my entire time with it and so did the rest of the family. Zack Spencer
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One bad Durango in a good way The 2014 Dodge Durango test truck was the perfect Christmas treat. This is the perfect kind of vehicle to have when you need to cart around extra kids and family from events like skating parties to Christmas dinners to anything else that needs getting done over the festive season. With three rows of seats and seating for six or seven passengers, the Durango is a large comfortable vehicle for any large family or a family of four that needs to take extra people to soccer or hockey practice. The Durango tester was the top of line Citadel model with a beautiful two-tine interior, large polished wheels and classy looking grille. It was not fitted with winter tires but we had no skiing plans, plus all Durango models come with AWD as standard equipment. Looks I can’t remember the last time a large SUV turned heads but this model had passersby, friends, and family all taking notice. Several neighbours commented on the stylish “racetrack” rear light bar that has migrated from the Dodge Dart and Charger sedans to this big SUV for 2014. Because of standard AWD and other packaging changes, the starting price is higher than direct competitors, the Ford Explorer or Nissan Pathfinder. Both those vehicles have a base model that starts around $30,000, the Durango, in contrast, starts at $39,995 and tops out at $51,995. This Citadel model, with options, is over $60,000. The base model comes nicely equipped with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry and
Bluetooth streaming to name a few. Dodge believes the $43,995 Limited model will be the volume seller thanks to a backup camera with sensors, heated seats over the first two rows and a higher level of interior trim.
take extra passengers regularly, I would opt for the less expensive bench seat that allows room for 7 people inside.
Drive The big update for 2014 is the introduction of an I can’t remember 8-speed automatic transmission to help limit the Inside the last time a large amount of fuel this big Updates to the interior SUV turned heads rig uses. When matched for 2014 include a new to the base 290hp 3.6L steering wheel that conbut this model had V6 the official fuel rating trols two new screens on passersby, friends is 12.4L/100km in the the dash. The first is the and family all taking city and 8.3L on the intuitive and very quick highway. The optional uConnect screen in the notice 5.7L V8 with 360hp uses centre of the console. All Zack Spencer much more fuel and is Durango models, except rated at 15.6L/100km in this top Citadel, get a the city and 9.1L on the 5-inch unit; this trim gets highway. Over two weeks, in almost the 8.3-inch version, which is too bad. 100 per cent city driving and short trips, The second screen is embedded in the I used a whopping 20L/100 in the city. instrument cluster and can be customIf the Durango were allowed to stretch ized. I tried my hand at this but never its legs on the open road that number really mastered it. The biggest selling would have been much better. Handling point for the Durango is the amount of space it offers over three rows for 6 or 7 passengers. My youngest son loved climbing into the third row and could actually stretch out. I even tried it out and can report that adults have plenty of room in any seat. The Citadel model came equipped with a stunning two-tone interior featuring black carpets and tan seats. This contrast won over my wife who wouldn’t have looked twice at a Durango but after the first week she admitted how much she enjoyed the experience. If you
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welcome to the driver’s seat.
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is first rate thanks to a Mercedes-Benz derived platform (GL-Class). There is a good amount of road feel but bigger bumps are eaten up with no fuss. Verdict This latest Durango is yet another example of what Chrysler is doing right. It is loaded with the latest technology, has a class leading 8-speed automatic, attitude and room to spare. I enjoyed my entire time with it and so did the rest of the family, we even gave it a name, “The Badongo” I don’t know why, but it really is one Bad Durango. If I can read the tea leaves for a moment, I would bet the EcoDiesel will be coming to the Durango, hopefully sooner rather then better. The Lowdown Power: 3.6L V6 with 290hp or 5.7L V8 with 360hp Fill-up: 12.2L/8.3L/100km (city/highway V6) Sticker price: $39,995-$51,995 zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca
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When shopping do you drive into a parking lot space or back into it? Please explain why you have made that decision.
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Safety Tip: With road visibility limited at this time of year, it is more important than ever to pay close attention to traffic controllers and be patient when driving through construction zones. They are putting themselves in harm’s way to keep construction workers and all road users safe.
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