Attached to the pump

For the most part, the Journey performs well, but falls short on its promise of fuel frugality. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

I was prepared to like the Dodge Journey. It's got plentiful character, with typical Dodge design masking what is effectively a practical seven-seat wagon. It'll appeal to those looking for an SUV because it looks cooler than an MPV, or indeed a standard wagon.

And at first glance, buyers will be pleased. The updated cabin is all dark tones, with lighter touches and a host of practical features - from dash-top cubbies and split-level gloveboxes, to a centre console deep enough to hold a litre of milk, to storage bins under the floor. Even the front seat lifts to hide your valuables while you're taking the kids for a hike.

The rear seats fold flat with the pull of a single tab - the headrests auto-fold. The third-row seats fold away to leave a roomy boot, with a pop-out torch-cum-boot light and shopping bag hooks. At night, this is one of the better-lit boots I've seen. It's certainly a well-designed space.

But as it turns out, it's not all good news. For starters, this $39,990 entry-level car gets the 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine allied to a six-speed auto transmission. The 136kW and 256Nm look reasonable on paper, with a tad more urge than Honda's 2.4-litre Odyssey, which has a similar focus. But given a 1750kg body to heft, it felt frankly gutless over the hills I negotiate daily, even when using the auto as a manual.

Do that, and you'll get along okay - but by golly, will it drink fuel. I averaged 13.3l/100km, well over the claimed 10.3, and more than enough to dissuade an economy-minded buyer attracted to the price-features equation.

The car's handling was disappointing too, with plentiful early understeer and SUV-style body roll. This is not a rewarding car to hustle through bends - which is lucky. Imagine what a vigorous drive would have done to the fuel bill ...

All that, a left-side handbrake that requires a committed, two-handed approach to apply and an unevenly fitted cubby lid, make the Journey sound as useful as a swimsuit in July. But it's better than that, because if you're a relaxed driver willing to swap economy for practicality, it really would make a wonderful family wagon.

Quite apart from its well thought-out cabin, it delivers a lot for the money; from headlight self-levelling to heated mirrors; from cruise control to air con front and rear; from six airbags to tyre pressure monitoring, plus the usual suite of electronic safety aids.

So the jury's out on Journey. I'd like to like it - it does the job it's designed to, for a price. After all, you can overlook a sedate approach to the road given that's all many family buyers want. But can you overlook it's fondness for fuel?

DODGE JOURNEY 2.7 SXT

We like: Characterful design, cabin truly focused on cluttered family life, value for money

We don't like: It's far too thirsty for economy-minded families. Too-relaxed engine and handling

Powertrain: 2.7-litre V6, 136kW at 5500rpm, 256Nm at 4000rpm, six-speed auto drives front wheels

Performance: 0-100km/h in 10.8 seconds, 10.3l/100km (claimed)

Safety: ABS brakes, stability control, six airbags

What it's got: Cruise control, seven seats, tyre pressure monitoring, cargo net, tinted windows, six-disc CD with iPod jack, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, 17-inch alloys, stain-resist seat fabric and more

Vital stats: 4888mm long, 397 (all three rows in use)/1479-litre boot, 77.6-litre tank