NAIAS: 2013 Dodge Dart is the Neon of the future

[ne_one]

2013 Dodge Dart is the Neon of the future
Autoblog
January 9, 2012
by Steven J. Ewing

Let's be honest: Useful as the Dodge Caliber was, it didn't quite fit into the C-segment as nicely as the plucky little Neon that came before it. But now the Caliber is dead, and the Chrysler Group has a big ol' Italian parts bin to work from in order to create its new crop of cars, the first of which is this, the 2013 Dodge Dart. Not only is this an all-new entry into an extremely competitive segment, it's the first bit of fruit from the Chrysler-Fiat partnership, and from the looks of things, it's going to be good.

Those of you paying close attention will know that the Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, though we commend Chrysler's design team for giving the Dodge sedan an appearance that's anything but Italian. We've had the chance to check out a loaded-up Dart R/T in person – the trim you see in these photos – and it's a decidedly handsome thing. Compared to the Giulietta, the Dart has a four-inch-longer wheelbase and a slightly wider track, and we like the aggressive, planted stance. The low nose and upward slope to the beltline are very reminiscent of the last Neon, especially the SRT4, and while we haven't had a chance to see a base model with the body-colored grille and smaller wheels, we think the design will work well on the full range of models. The 2013 Dart will be available in SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T trims. And for those of you who like the full-LED wraparound taillamps of the Charger, you'll be happy to see them here on the Dart, as well.

Three engines will be available when the Dart launches later this year. The base powerplant is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter Tigershark inline-four producing 160 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. Next up is an available 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Tigershark four with 184 hp and 171 lb-ft, and topping the range is a 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir four with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is available with all three engines, a six-speed automatic is optional on the 2.0- and 2.4-liter mills and a six-speed dual-clutch box can be had on the 1.4-liter turbo unit. Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has stated that a nine-speed automatic is in the works, though that won't drop until sometime in 2013. As for fuel economy, Chrysler has been quick to boast a 40 mile-per-gallon rating, but that's CAFE, and the final EPA numbers should be somewhere in the mid-30s. Respectable stuff. And considering that the Dart uses a slightly modified version of the Giulietta's European suspension setup with a new electronic steering rack, all that power will hopefully be put to the ground with proper poise.

Full article and additional images available at link.

[avro206]

Like nearly everything about it. However--184HP is the most you can get? I thought this 2.4L with "MultiAir" could be 200-210hp. Hmm...too bad

[Chaz_23]

Not sure about this one. The interior is great. The rear looks OK, the front so so, but the profile is terrible.

[ViperDVMan]

The car itself looks pretty nice... like a Neon brought into 2012. I really like the Charger-style taillight patern, and the aggressive looks of the R/T model. This is what should've replaced the Neon instead of the Caliber. The Caliber, though a pretty decent and practical compact, was no Neon replacement (more of a Vibe/Matrix competitor).

The interior, while seemingly driver-oriented like various Japanese sports cars and purpose-built sport compacts of the 90's, seems to have implemented some 10-year-old styling. Sure it's snazzy, but it's still a very outdated design.

Overall... outdated interior aside... not bad at all. Finally, a decent Neon replacement. Can't wait to see an SRT version of this car.

[steve333]

This could be my next car, unless GM surprises me with a worthwhile 2013 Cruze MCE and Ford improves the tranny on the 2013 Focus

[chevydlrmn]

The 1.4t crushes the Cruze in power, will be interesting to see the EPA ratings with the DSG

[V8GMT360 Guy]

If I were Chrysler/Fiat, I wouldn't be happy hearing people equate/compare this to the Neon.

[John Wilde]

I thought there were rumors of a close to 300 HP SRT version with AWD down the road. Was that all wishful thinking?

[VS Ute 5Litre]

I hope it's a good bit better than a Neon they were crap

[Butz]

I hope it's a good bit better than a Neon they were crap

You don't have to hope. You know they will be. Dodge did a great job making it look more than just a rebadged Alfa Romeo.

[goatgary]

I like it. I prefer Chrysler's overall design direction over Ford's. Recent GM designs are solid but they need to pick up the pace. Hate to say it but IMO, from a styling standpoint, Hyundai and Chrysler are leading edge right now in mainstream offerings.

[avro206]

Seems like it is the largest car when you look at it VS the Focus, Cruze, Elantra ect. 183" long, 73" wide. Might be the heaviest too ( I know a Cruze LTZ can is hefty too) at about 3200lbs.

I interior and outside colour and trim choices though. Something GM could learn from.

The all-new 2013 Dodge Dart will feature 12 exterior colors: Redline Red Pearl Coat, Header Orange Pearl Coat, Blue Streak Pearl Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, Winter Chill Pearl Coat, Laguna Blue Clear Coat, Maximum Steel Metallic Clear Coat, Tungsten Metallic Clear Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Citrus Peel Pearl Coat, Pitch Black Clear Coat and Bright White Clear Coat.

The Dart offers customers the choice of 14 interior color and trim combinations with seven interior color environments in cloth or leather fabric: Black denim, Black/Light Diesel Grey, Black/Light Frost Beige, Black/Ruby Red, Diesel Grey/Citrus Peel, Diesel Grey/Light Diesel Grey and Ceramic White/Light Diesel Grey.

I really think GM has to retune to 1.4L--150hp would be nice. It's falling to the back of the pack here.

[paul8488]

They really did a great job of differentiating this from the Guiletta. As much as I like the Alfa, I was worried that they were just going to slap a Dodge nose on it and call it a day. The track is longer and wider, and the two cars look nothing alike... Chrysler / Fiat should be commended for the effort they went to to produce a unique car for Dodge.

[CJH]

The 1.4t crushes the Cruze in power, will be interesting to see the EPA ratings with the DSG

Que DI in GM's 1.4T. Its only a matter of time now........

The product coming out of FiaChrys is very good. Just what they needed. When was the last time there were three good small cars on the market from the Detroit Big Three?

[KingElvis]

A compact with a nice long hood. Hurray! I'm not a compact guy, but this would be my choice if I had to buy one.