2013 Dodge Dart Preview

Introduction

Replacing the Caliber as Dodge's small car offering, the new 2013 Dart resurrects an old name for a new compact sedan. It is the first Dodge model to be constructed on a Fiat platform, sharing its underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Exterior Features

The new 2013 Dodge Dart is available in five trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Limited and R/T. Active grille shutters and projector-beam headlights are standard, as well as LED "racetrack" taillights patterned after those on the larger Charger. All except the Dart SE are equipped with standard aluminum wheels, and all except the SE and Dart SXT get fog lights. The Dart Limited is set apart by chrome exterior trim and polished wheels, while the Dart R/T gets unique front styling with a blacked-out grille.

Interior Features

The new Dart is equipped with soft-touch dashboard, center armrest, and door panel armrest materials. The cabin features a color reconfigurable center gauge display with multiple menu selections, and a storage bin is located under the front passenger's seat cushion. Dodge says the Dart "features the interior spaciousness of a midsize sedan."

Optional Features

As buyers move up the trim-level ladder, features such as aluminum wheels, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, Uconnect Touch multi-media systems (one of which provides an 8.4-inch display), navigation system, and Nappa premium leather upholstery are available. The new Dart can also be equipped with a heated steering wheel, Keyless Enter 'N Go with push-button start, 506-watt premium sound system, and dual-zone automatic climate control with humidity sensing.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Dodge Dart SE is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 160 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 6-speed automatic transmission optional.

The Dart SXT, Rallye, and Limited models have a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that also makes 160 horsepower, but produces more torque across a broader rev range than the SE model's engine. This turbocharged 4-cylinder is the same engine that is installed in the Fiat 500 Abarth, and includes a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission, an automated manual gearbox, is available.

The Dodge Dart R/T swaps the turbocharged 4-cylinder for a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 184 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard; a 6-speed automatic is optional.

Safety

The new Dodge Dart comes with 10 standard air bags, including knee air bags for the front-seat occupants and side-impact air bags for the rear-seat passengers. Traction and stability control are also standard, and the 2013 Dart includes a 4-wheel-disc anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, Ready Alert braking, and Rainy Brake Support.

Safety-related options include a reversing camera, rear park-assist sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and a Rear Cross Path Detection system.