Road Test

Your Say

Dodge Journey 2.0 CRD SXT

Test Date 24 September 2008 Price When New £19,990

Verdict

The idea is Nissan Qashqai, only more. The Journey projects some of the macho kudos of SUV ownership without the penalty of a heavy and usually unused four-wheel drive system and accompanying fuel thirst.

It’s a refreshingly different take on an MPV, offering a driving experience to make a thwarted SUV driver feel right at home, and it has genuinely useful packaging features.

Some families will love this car. We don’t. Its square-rigged bulk looks overly aggressive and compromises its manoeuvrability and dynamic subtlety. Since it’s mainly for show, you may even feel a little ridiculous driving it. And the engine’s aural intrusions will surely wear you down.

At least the Journey is honest about its flamboyance. It has the best-finished cabin yet seen in a UK-market Dodge, too. The Journey achieves its aim, but it’s not for us.