CATS Motors launches the all-new Dodge Durango

MANILA, Philippines - The all-new Dodge Durango is here and it minces no words when it boasts of being the best that has ever been. At an intimate dinner, which had members of the motoring media madly scrambling to produce the best grilled burger of the evening, we got to meet the new Durango and here’s what we found out about it.

The next generation Durango still has Dodge’s bold and masculine style – that aggressive stance which is sporty but sophisticated. The vehicle’s three row interiors are full of thoughtful touches sure to please the driver and passengers alike.

While only one variant is available in the country, CATS Motors brought in the best – the Durango Citadel 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. With it signature chrome grille, 20-inch chrome clad wheels, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, premium Nappa leather trim, Black Comodo Elm woodgrain interior, it is sure to make a strong statement in the city and beyond.

But what’s more impressive are the Durango’s 45 standard security features. Advanced multi-stage, full-length side curtain and front seat mounted side thorax air bags are all standard. Front seat active head restraints move forward and upward in the event of a rear end collision are key in preventing injury. In unfavorable weather conditions the Durango almost thinks for you. The front wipers automatically activate upon sensing raindrops and the new smart brake system helps dry brake rotors.

It’s a vehicle for the true outdoorsmen. The 3.6 Pentastar V6 engine can tow an impressive 2,812kg and not have to worry about trailer sway. Dodge engineers came up with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) which senses trailer sway and automatically applies the right amount of braking to maintain control.

SUVs may be notorious for their blind spots but the Durango is equipped to compensate for that. Blind Spot Motoring (BSM) provides dual radar sensors, which constantly monitor the driver’s blind spots and warns of any encroaching vehicles with an audible chime and illuminated icons in the side view mirrors. Similar notification systems apply for the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Rear Parking Assist System. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) ensures cruising speed maintains a preset distance between the Durango and the vehicle ahead of it. The rear back up camera also provides a wide-angle view on the radio screen of the area behind the vehicle.

The Durango also ensures you are never out of touch no matter how far off the beaten track you go. UConnect is the vehicle’s media hub. Through it you can access and control rear seat video (via DVD, gaming console or multimedia devices). It connects to up to 7 Bluetooth enabled phones. You can pick up and make calls, select FM radio stations and select navigation destinations all by voice so you can conveniently and responsibly keep those hands on the wheel.