2013 Dodge Dart Preview – Can Mopar Build a Desirable Compact?
Dodge and Chrysler are on a roll with exterior styling and interior upgrades. Their entire lineup have been refreshed or redesigned with few exception (Your days are numbered Avenger and Journey). That said, Mopar hasn’t had a compact car capable of getting auto enthusiasts’ blood pumping since the thrilling (but unrefined) Dodge Neon. Will the 2013 Dodge Dart be the shot of adrenaline enthusiasts are looking for? Follow the jump to find out.
The new compact is being unveiled at the 2012 North American Internation Auto Show (NAIAS). Underneath its sculpted sheet metal, the Dart is based on an a widened and revised Alfa Romeo Giuletta platform. The platform is shared because Alfa and Dodge both share a parent company, Fiat. While the Neon is mostly forgotten, Dodge did not want to take any chances with associating their new baby with what Jezza calls the “Worst Car in the World”.
Great value for enthusiasts, death trap and junk interior for everyone else
On paper, the new Dart looks to resolve all the previous sins of Neons past. It’ll be the first 40 MPG vehicle in Dodge’s lineup, have 3 engine choices, a proper 6-speed manual, and an optional 9 speed automatic. 40 MPG is the new black when it comes to compacts, and Dodge didn’t want to make a bad first impression. Fiat is also keen to produce the Dart for political reasons in order to secure the last 5% of Chrysler stock promised to Fiat after they produce a 40mpg car.
What’s Hot
The LED lights are supposed to remind us of an oval NASCAR track
Specs and speculation aside, Dodge hits another home run with the exterior styling. A wide stance gives the car more presence than rivals in its class, and the front crosshair grill clearly ties the Dart back in with the Dodge family. The front headlamps are sporty and reminiscent of the new VW Scirocco, but the real conversation piece is the LED ‘track’ tail-lights carried over from its larger Dodge Charger sibling. Chrysler designers wanted this ring of LED lights to be associated with a NASCAR oval track. The 1.4L turbo MultiAir engine should also give some oomph to back the NASCAR reference while returning the magic 40MPG numbers. Lesser Darts will make do with a 2.0L engine found in the current Jeep Compass, and the R/T version will have a 2.4L.
Interior banishes ugly beige plastics, and provides useful cubbies to boot
What’s Not
A bit too boy racer
While the exterior pushes all the right buttons, the interior may have had a few too many buttons pushed. When in production the cool digital display for guages won’t likely be available on lower trims (if at all available). The red accents around the guage cluster and door handles are less Alfa sophistication, and more “boy racer” flashiness. Speaking of the gorgeous Alfa Giuletta it’s based on, the Dart will only be available as a sedan. Hatchback lovers everywhere will shed a tear.
The hatchback is too beautiful for the US. We only get a sedan.
Our Take
It’s refreshing to see the domestic brands taking a renewed interest in the compact segment long dominated by Japanese and Korean marques. With sporty looks combined with sporting specs, and high end technology and features, the Dodge Dart may become a serious contender in the crowded compact market. Dodge wants to put its best effort forward to prevent another Neon fiasco, but still keep the price low enough for fickle consumers. With this many build configurations and promised standard kit, finding a sub-$20,000 compact sweet spot will be tricky. While skeptical, we’ll be rooting for the successful revival of the Dart nameplate.