Offroaders are so apologetic nowadays, so it is refreshing to meet the Nitro, which trounces this notion. This 4×4 is loud and proud, and boy is it loud, thanks to the unrefined 2.8-litre 177PS unit that provides the power.
Inside, the engine, wind and road noise is intrusive. Performance is limited, which is lucky thing because hustling the Nitro down leafy lanes isn’t recommended. Steering is vague and body control weak. The automatic was also less than convincing, shuffling gears poorly and at odd times. It’s in the highest benefit-in-kind bracket, too, thanks to 250g/km of CO2.
Compared to the alternatives, such as Hyundai’s vastly superior Santa Fe, the Nitro has the cards stacked against it, something that is likely to be reinforced when IDS Topcalc is able to make whole-life costs available, which hasn’t yet happened despite the car having already been on sale for three months.
Verdict: We like the style departure but the car itself is unconvincing and rivals are much better
