Dodge Journey
You can't accuse Dodge of being behind the times. Not a decade after most manufacturers cottoned on to the desirability of SUV crossovers, the Chrysler subsidiary has moved the game on to a whole new level with... an SUV crossover.
This is the Dodge Journey, due to be unveiled in Frankfurt (along with approximately three million other vehicles - and Lord Lucan) in a couple of weeks.
It's a seven-seater - although the rearmost two may be pygmy-only - which Dodge says combines 'the space and practicality of an MPV with the style of an SUV, and the ride, handling and fuel efficiency of a saloon'.
All well and good, but the all-things-to-all-people crossover market has been ruthlessly exploited in Europe over the last few years, and the Journey doesn't seem to tread much new ground.
Dodge claims that the 'bold styling' will attract British customers, but it looks pleasantly anonymous to us. Which could be a blessing, given some of the dubious creations to emerge from Dodge's styling stable in recent times.
The Journey will launch in the UK next summer with the choice of a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a two-litre diesel mated to a manual or auto 'box. It'll effectively replace the current Chrysler Voyager on these shores, although the Grand Voyager will remain following its Frankfurt revamp.
More importantly, can anyone explain why Dodge is naming its entire line-up after reject Gladiators (the 1990s telly series rather than the Roman warriors, that is)? Avenger, Caliber, Magnum, Charger, Journey... What's next? The Dodge Beast?
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