Skip advert
Advertisement

Dodge Magnum RT

If you're after a fast big estate, but don't want one of the traditional German choices such as the new Audi A6, America could well have the answer.

EstateS needn't be dull - as the menacing Magnum proves. Its custom styling never fails to turn heads, but it's also practical, well equipped and very fast. On the downside, it's not as sharp as European rivals, is thirsty and has a poor-quality interior. What's more, the right-hand-drive 300C Touring is likely to be similarly priced - so the Chrysler is better value for money.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you're after a fast big estate, but don't want one of the traditional German choices such as the new Audi, America could well have the answer.

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

i20

2017 Hyundai

i20

37,548 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £7,909
View i20
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

16,927 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,945
View e-tron Sportback
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

40,476 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £22,859
View e-tron Sportback
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

30,469 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,059
View e-tron Sportback

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £16,850
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £3,970 off RRP*Used from £8,795
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025