American muscle cars never fall out of fashion. Most aren’t big sellers – it’s a niche market – but have a loyal following of fans who appreciate classic design and high performance.
Dodge’s popular halo hot rods from the 1960s and 1970s – the Charger and Challenger – were brought back to life by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2005 and 2008 respectively. Both are made-in-Canada at FCA’s Brampton, Ont., assembly plant. This is where my week with a 2016 Dodge Charger SXT Rallye AWD sedan begins.
My first order of business is to take my 85-year-old mom for cataract surgery in Welland. Truth be told, it’s not the first vehicle I’d pick for her. It’s not often you spot an octogenarian in a bad boy such as this.
But forget about its looks. The appeal here is its massive interior space. Depending on the ride, getting into and out of a vehicle can be a chore for mom. A massive SUV with a high step-in is out of the question, while a convertible or roadster is too low to the ground. A sedan is often the best bet.
Getting into the Charger proves effortless. The sliding entry and exit is perfect – mom doesn’t have to crouch down or reach up to get inside – her five-foot frame slides easily into the front passenger seat. The cabin is so spacious, it seems like she’s a mile away from me. She can stretch her legs without feeling squished or uncomfy. As can I.
And this Charger is attractive and upscale compared with Chargers of old. A blend of modern and retro touches intermingle, capturing some of the design cues inspired by the original late 1960s Charger. While the T-handle gear shifter looks cool, I hate it. It feels awkward and too big for my tiny hand.
In the rear, there’s room for three – adults, not toddlers. The Charger is ideal for big family outings – including, unfortunately, a sombre one – a funeral for my sister’s 95-year-old father-in-law in Hamilton later in the week. My niece and two nephews – all twentysomethings – come along for the ride with nary a complaint from the rear.
But make no mistake – this is a big full-size sedan. Huge. Ginormous. It feels heavy to drive and cumbersome to park. At least the ride isn’t punishing. It isn’t jarring like Chargers of old and the cabin noise isn’t deafening. Another bonus – it was good on gas. After logging more than 400 kilometres, it averaged 10.3 litres/100 km, driving mostly on the highway.
That’s not bad for a big brute. It went from a hospital to a funeral with grace, style, ease, and comfort.
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