Reviewed by: Susan Frissell

 

 

 

 

New to the Dodge lineup, Dart fits nicely into the compact sedan segment and competes with Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and VW Jetta. A formidable group of performers, although the Dodge Dart should be able to hold its own.

Based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and designed by Dodge, the new Dart is the first of the Chrylser/Fiat partnership products to utilize the CUS-wide architecture. Future products from the combined marriage of Chrysler and Fiat will utilize this same platform.

Consumers can opt for one of three different four-cylinder engines in the new Dart: 1.5-liter, 160 hp., 2.0-liter, 160 hp., and 2.4-liter, 184 horse, all Turbo. Our test vehicle came equipped with the 2.0-liter, six-speed manual transmission which seemed to offer plenty of around-town power. Consumers can also opt for different transmissions: 6-speed sequential, 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic.

The interior of the new Dart is surprisingly refined, not what you would expect in a compact sedan. The seats are comfortable and supportive and the IP display is large and bright. It would be impossible to miss your speed, staring right at you. Although the interior feels roomy, there isn’t a lot of legroom.

 The Dart is an agile, quick vehicle with a composed ride. As with some of the   competition in this segment, the Dart is a fun car to drive, maneuvers well and delivers as a daily driver with some style.

Dodge expects the Dart to appeal to a diverse customer base, ranging from millennials to empty nesters. What consumers will love are the 100,000 ways the Dart can be customized to meet their specific needs.  Dart is available in six models, 12 exterior colors and 14 interior color and trim choices. In addition, there are four different grilles on the Dart, seven wheels and of course, the three available powertrains. The Dart is available in four trim levels: SE, SXT, Dart Rallaye and Dart Limited.

Solar control glass is a nice feature, particularly if one lives in warmer climates. As with many vehicles today, the new Dart comes equipped with several airbags, including front and rear supplemental side airbags, driver inflated knee bolster airbags, Advanced Multistage front airbags and three rear seat restraints. The Dart has won several awards in its infancy, including KBB.com’s 2012 list of the 10 Coolest Cars, and Ward’s  10 Best Interiors.

Unlike the competition, Dart offers standard and optional equipment features that are not often found on a compact sedan, such as rear crosspath detection, heated steering wheel, full-color 7-inch thin film transistor customizable LED instrument cluster, 8.4-inch touchscreen radio/media center, ABS and projector headlamps, among other features.

If you’re in the market for a compact sedan, don’t pass up the Dodge Dart. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

SPECS

MSRP: $15,995-$19,995 (and up)

Engine: 1.4-liter, DOHC, 160 hp, 148 lb.-ft. torque, MultiAir Turbo

Transmission: six-speed manual

Length: 184 in.

Width: 72 in.

Height: 58 in.

Wheelbase: 106 in.

Weight: 3,235 lbs.

Tires: 205/55R 16-inch

Wheels: 16-inch

EPA Fuel Economy: 25/36/29-27/39/32 mpg.

Assembled: Belvidere Assembly Plant, Belvidere, IL