Dodge Magnum RT

Offering an exciting alternative to more mainstream fare, the bold Chrysler 300C has attracted lots of attention of late, and the range will be boosted in May by a Touring version. So, to see what buyers can expect, Auto Express tried the Touring's sister car, the Dodge Magnum.

Currently available through specialist importers only, the left-hand-drive machine has the same 5.7-litre V8 as the 300C, and costs ΂£28,000. Before you even turn the key, one thing's for sure - this is one of the most menacing-looking estates on sale today, thanks to the extended roofline, high waistline, 18-inch wheels, massive grille and our model's moody black paintjob.

Climb inside and you will be disappointed, though. American car interiors have never had a great reputation, and the Magnum is no exception, with hard black and grey plastics everywhere. The sporty white dials stand out but, unlike in the 300C, there's no attempt to raise quality towards European levels.

Still, it's big. The cabin is more than five metres long, so there's plenty of legroom in the rear, while the boot is huge, bettering that of Mercedes' E-Class Estate - it offers a 770-litre capacity with the seats up and 2,027 litres with them folded. That size theme continues under the bonnet, where the giant 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine lies.

Sending 340bhp and 525Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox, it can launch the two-tonne Magnum from 0-60mph in only 6.5 seconds. Our test car also featured a performance air filter and exhaust system, resulting in a thunderous roar on full throttle.

Despite the V8's ability to shut down four of its cylinders under gentle driving, fuel economy isn't great, and you'll do well to achieve 20mpg on average. Don't expect the Magnum to match a BMW 5-Series on a twisty road, either. It's quite agile and the steering is accurate, if lacking in feel, but the car never feels anything less than enormous.

Nevertheless, the Dodge is refined, and cruises comfortably at speed. And of course, it comes loaded with equipment, including a CD changer with six speakers, leather and electric seats. But then so will the 300C Touring when it arrives in fully warranted, right-hand-drive form later next year. So if you fancy something that will turn heads, just hang on for a few months.