Jeff Voth

2012 Dodge Charger

Dodge Charger a wonder with V6 power

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2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
2012 Dodge ChargerAs destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.
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Car Review

Overall rating:

8/10

Strengths and weaknesses:

  • V6 power
  • good fuel economy
  • exterior styling.
  • not a HEMI
  • plastic interior appointments.

Editor's Ratings:

  • Price: 8/10

  • Performance: 8/10

  • Comfort (front): 8/10

  • Consumption: 6/10

  • Look: 8/10

Dodge Charger a wonder with V6 power

"Designed to carry a family of five, it provides splendid comfort for a whole day of adventure seeking opportunities."

Amusement, it’s a wonderful thing!

As destinations go, Niagara Falls, Ontario is about as amusing as it can possibly get on a late spring afternoon. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of Canada’s first wonderland than from the front seat of the 2012 Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD; in its own right an entertaining feast for the senses.

Search available trim options for the 2012 Dodge Charger

Designed to carry a family of five, it provides splendid comfort for a whole day of adventure seeking opportunities. Though it may not have the thunderous power and exhaust note of the HEMI engines found in the R/T and SRT8 models, it does offer just shy of 300 hp and all wheel drive, which makes it capable of almost anything. When it comes down to it, isn’t that the ultimate recipe for amusement?

Power comes in the form of a 3.6-litre VVT Pentastar V6. Performance figures rate the Charger at 292 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Our test vehicle is matched to the optional eight-speed transmission for liquid smooth shifting and improved fuel economy. Fuel consumption is rated at 11.4 and 7.3 L/100 km (city and highway, respectively).

All-wheel drive technology is an added feature that makes a whole lot of sense. Dodge has a proven track record of performance when it comes to off-roading, and while you would never purposely take the Charger too far past the pavement, it is comforting to know surface conditions and the weather won’t impede the road you take.

Brakes are four-wheel disc with ABS, Brake Assist and Rain Brake Support. Stopping power is admirable for a vehicle weighing just shy of 1,800 kg. Accents to the independent front and rear suspension include Electronic Stability Control and All-speed Traction Control for easy manoeuvring even on the tight confines of Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls. Try parking here on a Saturday afternoon and experience a whole new sense of amusement!

The Four Diamond CAA/AAA Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton is perfectly placed in the center of all the Niagara Falls action. Located on a hill overlooking the majestic Horseshoe Falls, the 18 storey newly constructed hotel highlights 224 deluxe rooms and suites, many with views towards one of nature’s greatest wonders.

All rooms feature the Sweet-Dreams bed by Doubletree and 37-inch flat-screen LCD TV. Decorated in subtle tones of brown and butter yellow, there is plenty of room for a family on the go. Where other hotels may offer a little more splash and dash, this Doubletree is designed as a place to retreat after a long day of sightseeing. A large vanity and full-size bathtub/shower round out the excellent room amenities.

Onsite services include a Five Lakes Spa AVEDA day spa, indoor salt water pool and whirlpool plus fitness facility. Conference rooms meet the needs of today’s business traveler and souvenir shopping (a staple in NF) is available in the main lobby area.

Dining takes place onsite at Buchanans Chophouse. A buffet breakfast is served each day, plus a la cart lunch and dinner menus. The Moose & Squirrel Coffee & Pub offers a quick jolt of caffeine. Niagara Falls is a tourist city with many dining options and we opt to eat out at nearby Bravo Pizzeria-Grill on Ferry St., with its outstanding selection of homemade pizzas and an international beer list sure to please even the most ardent lover of hops-made-beverages.

Back at the hotel, we take full advantage of the Sweet Dreams sleep package and awake the next day to stretch our legs and those of the Dodge Charger SXT Plus AWD. Niagara offers some of Canada’s best driving roads throughout the region.

Leaving the hotel, we drive down to see the falls up close. Parking can be a challenge depending on the time of day, but we manage to find a spot and head out on foot and are soon soaked from the mist coming off the falls.

Back in the Charger, we drive down the Niagara Parkway past Dufferin Islands towards Chippawa, then make a calculated U-turn to drive back down the parkway following it to its end in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This truly is one of the most spectacular finishes to a busy day as we travel the back roads of Niagara exploring unexpected sights away from the average tourist destinations. Amusement comes in many forms; some even feature an automatic transmission and V6 for good measure.

Where to Stay
Doubletree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton - Niagara Falls
6039 Fallsview Blvd
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
www.doubletree1.hilton.com

Fact file

  • Trim level: SXT Plus AWD
  • Year/Make/Model: 2012 Dodge Charger
  • Price as tested: $40,570
  • EnerGuide fuel economy ratings: 11.4 L/100km city; 7.3 L/100km hwy
  • Observed fuel economy: 8.9 L/100km over 650 km
  • Warranty (powertrain): 5 years/ 100,000 km
  • Warranty (basic): 3 years/ 60,000 km
  • Competitors: Cadillac CTS; Honda Accord; Kia Optima; Mazda6; Nissan Maxima.
  • Freight: $1,400
  • Options: Consumer Preferred pkg. 27J ($2,000); Technology Group ($1,025); Driver Convenience Group ($400); Adaptive Cruise Control Group ($900)