Well if you are looking for the European driving experience in a domestic car, the Dodge Dart is the car to look at. The new Dart is based on the Alfa Romeo platform that was released a year ago in Europe. With some good re-working of the design for the North American market, I think Chrysler might just have a real winner.
The Dart fits into the mid-sized category up against the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic, which is tough competition. My test car was the SXT model, one up from the basic model, which to my surprise was well equipped with just one option package. I personally found the shape to be pleasing and yet practical enough to get in and out of even in the rear. Trunk space was average for a car in this class, even with the 60/40 split folding rear seats, which I found very handy.
For such a new and technically savvy car, the dash and all other controls were fairly easy to use which was a big surprise. As this was the SXT model, the speedometer and tachometer were analog and to the centre was a touchscreen with the heating, radio and other controls. Just below the screen were a few important controls like heat and sound system controls for easy changes.
All this added up to an easy-to-use control system, which was a real delight but best of all, it could be easily turned off and on making it less distracting for the driver.
Seating on the car was manual adjusting in the front bucket seats. I found it took me a day to find a good position, but after that the seats proved to be quite comfortable. Rear seating was good with plenty of legroom but not that much headroom, but overall quite comfortable which was surprising for a mid-sized car. Overall I have to say honestly, fit and finish on the Dart is second to none.
The engine on this Dart was the 2L double overhead cam model with the 6-speed automatic transmission. With 160hp, the Dart was quick once on the move but a little sluggish off the line. The optional 1.4L turbo hurries things along as it has a bit more torque giving the Dart a little more punch off the line and power climbing hills.
Base transmission is a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic. Our test car was the automatic, which shifted smoothly but as I mentioned was a little sluggish off the line. Braking was state-of-the-art 4-wheel disc, which I have to rate very good as it took a couple of days to get used to how well it stopped.
If I were a gambling man, I would have to say that the new Dart is going to be a winner for Chrysler. With a starting price of just $16,000, this car offers good value for the money. My test car with some options retails for $23,000 and it is not out of line for a car this nicely equipped. The Dart’s European ancestry should win over those who may have never considered a domestic car before.
