One thing American car makers do well is make imposing vehicles. A prime example is 'Journey', a mid-size MPV from Dodge.
While the Journey looks like it has a V8 under the bonnet, the front-wheel drive car is powered by a two-litre diesel engine (sourced from VW) that is reasonably economical. The MPV has serious road presence - seven seats, loads of kit and a price tag of just €28,000 - so it is worth a serious look for expanding families.
The car is chunky and angular. The new Dodge has a no-nonsense front end that is quite masculine in a sector that is dominated by curvier models. There certainly is no concession to aerodynamics here but hey, just take a look at an Audi Q7! The Journey clearly offers a little more testosterone to the market compared to other mid-size MPVs and manages to exude a sense strength and safety that parents love. Sure you only have to look at all the large SUVs on school runs to see the extent people will go to secure their precious cargo. The side view is sturdy and the rear also rugged and smart, with its lift-up one-piece tailgate. With the standard big alloys and high profile tyres you get a 'big car look' and presence for little money.
Inside the seating is tiered so everyone gets a good view of the world. The car is described as a 'five plus two' and when all seven seats are in place there is still a usable boot available compared to a Zafira or Corolla Verso. The seats tumble and fold every which way and the rear two seats are a doddle to raise and lower from the boot thanks to simple straps. There is under-floor storage in the middle rows and in the boot.
Above the driver's mirror is a sunglasses cubby that is also a convex mirror to help monitor the little darlings in the back. Cabin ventilation is great, with roof mounted air vents for the middle and rear rows, plus you get separate fan and temperature controls. The front seat occupants can override these via the dash if needed.
If you are familiar with Chrysler interiors you will feel at home in the Dodge. The switchgear features a twisting stalk indicator control for dash and interior light illumination plus the wipers operate in a similar rotary movement via the right hand stalk. Twelve-volt sockets abound, so all the usual family in-car-entertainment and cooler boxes are catered for. With just one high SXT specification model on sale, the Journey will make a good name for itself.
On the open road the 138bhp diesel makes a good job of hauling the fairly heavy machine about the place, though you won't find yourself taking the twisty way home as the car rolls a bit when cornering at speed. The six-speed manual gearbox is good, but the driving position was designed with the automatic gearbox in mind. Basically, I found myself sitting just a little too close to the steering wheel (and airbag) than I would have liked. Ideally you should be able to sit with your shoulders touching the seat back and be able to reach your arms out straight so your wrists touch the rim of the steering wheel at the quarter to three position. The driving position is commanding and more akin to larger and more expensive machinery. The only extra I would like to get would be parking sensors as the Journey is tricky enough to reverse park. I found myself more than once opening the door to see how much room I had behind me.
At €28,000 the Dodge Journey is very tempting. It has real road presence and with all that standard kit it makes for great family transport. It won't be as frugal at the pumps as many of its rivals, but if you can live with that it certainly is a lot of car for the cash.
Michael Sheridan
