DODGE FEVER RETURNS

Remember the Dodge Dart from the '60's and '70's? I saw a few in my High School parking lot but preferred my 1973 Olds Delta 88. My friends Candy and Gary had one in army green. She despised it, he loved it. Gomer Pyle drove a couple on his television series. Several hundred movies showcased the Dart. But the fourth generation Dodge Dart ceased production in the U.S. in 1976.

Thirty-six years later the Dart has returned to replace the (deplorable) Caliber as Dodge's entry-level vehicle. This is the very first Chrysler Group car infused with Italian DNA, based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform.

According to Reid Bigland, President and CEO of Dodge Brand, "this is optimal timing for the return of the Dart due to fuel prices and the uprising of the compact car. Midsize roominess with a compact car footprint makes Dart ready". He added, "Dodge wants to bring features and content to the compact car segment".  That's exactly what Dodge did with the Dart.


COMPETITION FOR DART

Some of Dart's competitors have raised the bar for the compact car class by offering convenience and tech features. Compact segment competitors include Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Chevy Cruze and Hyundai Elantra. Reid Bigland says, " Dodge's quality is rapidly improving; prior to 2009 (when Chrysler formed an alliance with Fiat), the quality of our interiors were sub par". With the Italian influence, Dodge clearly refined its' vehicles.


FIRST IMPRESSION

The exterior styling proves that Dodge is going in a brand new direction. The sleek lines, flared front and rear fenders and sloping roof give it a more spirited and agile look. The "racetrack" LED taillights and crosshair grille are similar to the Charger. I'm not a big fan of the Challenger or Charger from an aesthetic point of view, but the Dart's softer lines certainly enticed me.

INTERIOR QUALITY

The Dodge Dart has one of the nicest and roomiest cabins I've seen in a compact car. It has a modern feel with a hint of European flair. Two features that I love are the extra-large glovebox and the extra storage located inside the front passenger seat (see picture below). The soft-touch dashboard, stitching and higher quality materials prove that Dodge is in it to win it.

TRIMS, STYLES AND OPTIONS, OH MY!

With the 2013 Dart, there are over 100,000 ways to customize; 12 exterior colors, 14 interior colors and trim combos, six wheel options, three engine options, three transmission options and over 150 Mopar accessories. Talk about personalizing a vehicle - whew!

Five trim levels are available. For $15,995 the SE (base) is equipped with the standard engine: 2.0L 160hp/148 lb-ft Tigershark (29mpg combo), 10 airbags, power windows, 16" wheels, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, CD player with 4 speakers and folding rear seat. What doesn't come standard in this trim? Keyless entry and A/C. Hmmmm.

For $2,000 more you get the SXT trim - everything from the SE trim plus 17" alloy wheels, power mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, 6 speakers, A/C, upgraded cloth upholstery, upgraded instrument panel, sliding front arm rest and a 60/40 front folding rear seat.

The Rallye ($18,995) includes everything in the SXT plus projector fog lamps, integrated dual exhaust, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and a unique performance front fascia with black chrome headlamps.

Both the SXT and Rallye trims can be rigged out with several option packages: 8.4-inch touch screen multimedia center, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera and navi.

The Limited trim ($19,995) is equipped with Uconnect Touch, 10-way power driver seat, 7-inch reconfigurable TFT (Thin Film Transistor) cluster display, bright grille and door handles. Options for this trim are premium Nappa leather seating, heated front seats and polished aluminum wheels.

The high-end R/T ($22,495) includes all that the Limited has to offer plus 18" aluminum wheels, Nappa leather heated seats, heated steering wheel, the larger engine: 2.4L 184 hp/171 lb-ft Tigershark with MultiAir II, unique Hyper Black grille and black fascia and integrated dual exhaust. Options for this trim are Hyper Black aluminum wheels, Keyless Enter 'n Go, HID Headlamps and a 506-watt sound system.

Optional on all trims except the R/T is the 1.4L-4 cyl, 160hp turbo (184 lb-feet of torque). This is the same engine in the Fiat 500 Abarth.


THE DRIVE, THE FEEL

I tested the 6-speed automatic and was very disappointed in the lack of robustness. I imagine the turbo would provide that. The suspension handled bumps with suppleness but when taking corners I felt the weight of the car. Steering was quick and sharp, thanks to Fiat. All in all the Dart was fun to drive, very responsive with solid handling and excellent visibility.

SAFETY FEATURES (No crash test ratings are available yet.)

Ten Standard Airbags
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection
Reactive Front Head Restraints (Driver and passenger)

WRAPPING IT UP

Consumers purchase compact cars for three reasons: 1) price, 2) reliability and 3) fuel economy. The Dodge Dart offers all three. For a compact sedan with plenty of convenience, tech and comfort features, you get a lot of bang for your buck.

The 2013 Dart certainly gives Dodge a stronger entry in the compact car segment. With all the unique features, craftsmanship and refinement, the Dart is sure to stand out.

MANUFACTURED IN BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS
EXPECTED IN SHOWROOMS: END OF SUMMER 2012