2013 Dodge Dart Rallye Chicagoland Review By Larry Nutson
2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
Imported from Detroit
By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel (DSC_1130)
The Dart name has been in the Chrysler Group family for some time and has its genesis as a concept car designed by Carrozzeria Ghia that was presented in 1956. It was an aerodynamic wonder, more slippery than anything, hence the name Dart. The Dart name then appeared on production cars, the name being previously used in the Dodge brand from 1960 to 1976.
Fast-forward to today and we now have another Italian partnership and the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart, the first vehicle created from the Fiat and Chrysler hook-up. The Dart of today is based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and has been designed by Dodge based on the Fiat Group Compact U.S Wide (CUS-wide) architecture…a platform that will serve as the basis for future C and D segment vehicles.
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My test-car Dart was the Rallye, which is actually an SXT model priced at $17,995 plus a Rallye Group that adds $1,000. Standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, power body-color mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, six-speakers, security alarm, 60/40 split folding rear seat, sliding armrest, and air conditioning with micron filter. Rallye features include unique black front fascia accents, black headlamp bezels, projector fog lamps, integrated dual exhaust with bright exhaust tips, leather-wrapped steering wheel, speed control, steering wheel audio controls, and a trip computer.
Also equipped were optional Hyper Black wheels ($395) and the 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo ($1300) delivering 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Although the standard engine is also rated at 160HP the big difference is in the significantly increased torque, up from 148 lb.-ft. Transmission is a 6-speed manual with a nice silver shift ball to grip. EPA ratings for this powertrain combo are 32 combined mpg, with 27 city mpg and 39 highway mpg. A six-speed dual dry clutch (DDCT) transmission is optional at $1100.
The powertrain is driving through the front wheels. Seating is for five. With overall length just a tad under 184 inches, the Dart makes for a fairly well suited urban/city use car. And, it’s large enough to be comfortable on the highway or for a long road trip. The 13.1 cubic foot trunk is plenty roomy for luggage, groceries or the kid’s sport gear. The 15.8 gallon fuel tank will get you over 500 miles of highway driving. The 2013 Dodge Dart with the Aero package will achieves 41 miles per gallon (mpg) highway fuel economy rating for even longer distances without a fuel stop.
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Handling is very confident with good weight from the electric power steering although a touch more feedback would be nice. Ride is neither too harsh nor too soft and the suspension did a good job of absorbing city-street imperfections. The Dart has a good solid feel.
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This Italian-American marriage seems to be off on the right track.
© Larry Nutson