The 2010 Dodge Journey now arriving in New Zealand features a new-look cabin with dark-slate upholstery creating a more luxurious and restful atmosphere for the driver and up to six passengers, all for the same price as the outgoing model, which was already many thousands of dollars below its mostly 4-cylinder competition and now represents even more of a bargain.
"The changes are subtle but very effective and do much to underline the exceptional value of the new Dodge Journey," says Todd Groves, Divisional Manager with Chrysler importer Sime Darby Automobiles New Zealand Ltd.
"The Journey looks very classy on the inside and reflects the tastes of the target market for this type of vehicle."
The darker tones are available either with the ‘Stain Repel' cloth seating or the upmarket leather and sunscreen glass is now standard on all models to help protect the materials for fading in the sunlight, as well as cooling the cabin.
The driver and front passenger seat now include active head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries to the neck in the event of a crash. With the simple turn of a lever, Dodge Journey's available 5+2-passenger-seating system quickly folds the Tilt 'n Slide second-row seat cushion upward and slides the entire seat forward, allowing third-row passengers easy in-and-out access. Two available integrated child booster seats, a first for a vehicle in this segment, quickly pull out from the second-row seat cushion, eliminating the need to transport bulky child seats.
Spacious storage bins, including the Flip 'n StowTM front-passenger seat concealed storage bin, Chill ZoneTM glove box beverage cooler and second-row dual in-floor storage bins with liners are easy to reach.
Another safety feature that allows the driver to adjust sound and radio settings is the fitting of audio controls to the leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Both the SXT and R/T models gain iPod controls that are packaged into the glove box, along with the with a Bluetooth microphone and Uconnect Handsfree system for safer cellphone use. The R/T also gets the premium Infinity sound system and auto dimming rear-view mirror as standard.
The Rear Seat Video, which is part of the optional MyGig entertainment system on the R/T model, has now been upgraded to a 9-inch overhead screen for the second row passengers.
Allergy suffers will welcome the standard fitting of upgraded air filters to the climate control system on both Dodge Journey models.
Externally, the only significant change is the fitting of roof rails to all models and the addition of two new colour finishes - White Gold (Pearl) and Light Sandstone Metallic,
The Dodge Journey is styled to look more like a sporty wagon, rather than a boxy people carrier, yet it can still accommodate seven people in its three rows of seats. A variety of seating positions maximises the versatility of the Journey, so that it can adapt to the lifestyle requirements of its owners.
Both the SXT and the upmarket R/T models are powered by the impressive 2.7-litre, 136kW, V6 light alloy engine and 6-speed autostick sequential shift automatic transmission that offers up to 7 L/100km fuel economy as well as excellent power. A 2-litre CRD common rail diesel engine with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission is available as an option.
Pricing for the new 2010 Dodge Journey starts from $44,990.