US favourite Dodge has offered a boost to British dealers ahead of the brand's UK launch next year with the news that its Nitro 4x4 will go on sale in the UK.

Dodge will hit UK shores when the Caliber hatchback arrives in July 2006 and the Nissan Pathfinder rival Nitro is expected to follow in 2007, with both models to feature petrol and turbodiesel power. Unlike the Pathfinder, the Jeep Cherokee-based Nitro is a five-seater, but it boasts all-round independent suspension and is expected to retain the distinctive styling of the Nitro concept shown at the 2005 Chicago Autoshow.

British buyers will get their first opportunity to buy an officially-imported Dodge this month as just 50 examples of the huge Dodge Ram Quad Cab pick-up go on sale at UK Chrysler dealers. Prices start at £30,509 (£25,995 for commercial buyers) for the 5.7-litre V8 Laramie, rising to £44,608 (£37,995) for the wild 8.3-litre V10 SRT-10.

Both feature air-conditioning, CD autochanger and leather trim as standard, and come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. For performance fans, the 493bhp SRT-10 is capable of 150mph and reaches 60mph from rest in just over 5.0sec.

Source = Autocar