During a recent trip to Florida we decided to have a change from renting the usual SUV (4x4) and thought we would give one of the newer generation Mini Vans a try, known as people movers in the UK. We decided to rent our vehicle from Alamo.
After signing off on the official documentation at the car rental desk we were told to head off to the car park and pick any mini van in the rented class. As it happened we bumped into an employee from Alamo who was there to help and they pointed out that they had just taken delivery of 3 brand new Dodge Caravan SXT models, to which she directed us.
We settled on a classy looking black model which we could hardly remember having seen in Florida, quite statesman looking. The vehicle had full electrics to the sliding rear doors which could be controlled, i. e. open and closed from the remote controlled key fob, quite a ‘cool’ feature. As we packed up the rear, which could be made particularly large due the fold up seats and taking a mountain of luggage, we all got on board to be greeted by that unique and wonderful new car smell. If only they could bottle it!
Firing up the ignition panel revealed a massive 23 miles on the clock, probably the lowest I have ever seen on a rental car – it really had not been driven before. Turning over the 3. 8 litre V6 engine revealed a sweet and silent tick over. As we configured the Sat Nav, got the air conditioning sorted out, multi functional by the way, both passenger, driver and rear, we headed to the exit and out onto the open road. The engine, gearbox and ride was excellent, better than any previous Dodge Caravan that I can remember. Our particular model came equipped with smart looking alloy wheels and was finished with tastefully applied chrome looking trim. Overall it already felt classy, comfortable and very, very quiet. On the highway we could set the cruise control and allow the vehicle to slip quietly into 6th gear. The range of the gearbox together with its swift and smooth gear changes made the drive most enjoyable.
Inside the Dodge comfort is provided with 4 independently adjustable captains seats which can be folded quite flat in the mid area if you have children needing a nap from the parks. The rear section comprises a split bench arrangement and every seat can be stored into the floor using a stow mechanism. Our 2 daughters are actually teenagers so were more interested in the stereo and its capability of playing a connected iPod. The hi-fi does not disappoint with fabulous sound, from radio, CD or iPod connected via an auxiliary port.
We really enjoyed having the Dodge Caravan for the week and would thoroughly recommend it.
After signing off on the official documentation at the car rental desk we were told to head off to the car park and pick any mini van in the rented class. As it happened we bumped into an employee from Alamo who was there to help and they pointed out that they had just taken delivery of 3 brand new Dodge Caravan SXT models, to which she directed us.
We settled on a classy looking black model which we could hardly remember having seen in Florida, quite statesman looking. The vehicle had full electrics to the sliding rear doors which could be controlled, i. e. open and closed from the remote controlled key fob, quite a ‘cool’ feature. As we packed up the rear, which could be made particularly large due the fold up seats and taking a mountain of luggage, we all got on board to be greeted by that unique and wonderful new car smell. If only they could bottle it!
Firing up the ignition panel revealed a massive 23 miles on the clock, probably the lowest I have ever seen on a rental car – it really had not been driven before. Turning over the 3. 8 litre V6 engine revealed a sweet and silent tick over. As we configured the Sat Nav, got the air conditioning sorted out, multi functional by the way, both passenger, driver and rear, we headed to the exit and out onto the open road. The engine, gearbox and ride was excellent, better than any previous Dodge Caravan that I can remember. Our particular model came equipped with smart looking alloy wheels and was finished with tastefully applied chrome looking trim. Overall it already felt classy, comfortable and very, very quiet. On the highway we could set the cruise control and allow the vehicle to slip quietly into 6th gear. The range of the gearbox together with its swift and smooth gear changes made the drive most enjoyable.
Inside the Dodge comfort is provided with 4 independently adjustable captains seats which can be folded quite flat in the mid area if you have children needing a nap from the parks. The rear section comprises a split bench arrangement and every seat can be stored into the floor using a stow mechanism. Our 2 daughters are actually teenagers so were more interested in the stereo and its capability of playing a connected iPod. The hi-fi does not disappoint with fabulous sound, from radio, CD or iPod connected via an auxiliary port.
We really enjoyed having the Dodge Caravan for the week and would thoroughly recommend it.