PERSONALITY ADJUSTMENT
Dodge Dart Limited impresses in compact sedan class
When it comes to the 2013 Dodge Dart, there is good news — and more good news. Production of this very important car for Chrysler/Fiat is centered at the Belvidere, Ill. manufacturing plant and it will yield the first mix of the two companies’ cultures.
The Dodge Dart, which replaces the Caliber, is based on one of the Alfa Romeo’s top cars, the Giulietta. The Dart compact sedan is based on a lengthened and widened Alfa Romeo Giulietta platform, which is known for its dynamic driving capabilities. That’s a great start for the Dart.
Several exterior cues enable the Dart to express itself as one of the more distinctive looking compact sedans in the class. From the Dodge-signature split crosshair grille and distinctly sloping roofline to the dual exhaust treatment and Chargerinspired full-width taillamp assembly, with 152 indirect glow LEDs, the Dart has some punch and some personality.
From front to rear, underbody panels cover much of the lower vehicle with a black composite material that enhances Dart’s aerodynamic performance and blocks road noise. Tire spats located ahead of the tires function as mini air dams, and add to the underbody efficiency.
The Dodge Dart is available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. I tested the Limited and found it to be a surprisingly comfortable and accommodating compact. The biggest gripe about any compact car is the need to use lesser materials and uninspired design inside in order to keep the cost down. It’s part of the formula that gets these cars sold, but Dart was able to avoid these missteps.
The Dart avoids the expected monotone color schemes of previous Dodge compacts in favor of a multitude of color combinations, contrasting stitching, color enhanced instrument panel, sculpted surfaces, additional lighting, and electronic displays.
Driver seat comfort was easily attained through six-way power adjustments and four-way power lumbar. I put some serious mileage on the Limited I was testing and found it to be quite adept at providing comfortable adjustments throughout long highway driving.
Head and legroom are more than adequate in front, though rear bench seating will accommodate two adults in a snugger environment. Sure, three kids will fit back there, but the center spot, which is never the popular choice, is not as comfortable as the two side positions.
The Dart’s dash is attractive and the centerpiece of my Limited tester was an 8.4-inch touchscreen display (standard is seveninch). You look at this huge screen and have to remind yourself you are in a compact sedan with a base price south of $20,000.
The interior cabin is quiet and road noise was minimal. There are smart design cues everywhere, from the large glove box that could handle an iPad to the center console’s auxiliary jacks to the console side pockets that are convenient for cellphones.
There’s a choice of three four-cylinder engines: a new 160 horsepower, 16-valve 2.0-liter; a 160 horsepower, 16-valve 1.4-liter MultiAir Intercooled Turbo version and a new 184 hp, 16-valve 2.4-liter MultiAir 2. Dart does something very different for this class, it offers three transmission choices, a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or six-speed dual dry clutch version. The Environmental Protection Agency mileage for the Limited is 27 city and 37 highway.
My Limited featured an upgraded 1.4-liter I4 Intercooled turbo ($1,300) mated to the six-speed dual dry clutch ($1,100) automatic transmission. This combination was fine for aroundtown errands and most driving. With the cabin full of passengers, I did have to anticipate quick acceleration points a bit more.