Our spy photographers have just grabbed their best look yet at the interior of the new C-Segment Dodge Sedan that we used to call the Hornet.
The most obvious thing here is the center console with its three knob (Yey!) layout. One for volume, one for fan speed and one to tune the radio. Okay, fine, it's not the three-knob design we prefer and the dual-zone temperature is controlled by small buttons flanking the fan speed selector. Oh and then there's that screen. is that...portrait? In a world of widescreen, that non widescreen display sure does stand out. Chrysler's been on a roll with the functionality of the new Uconnect system, how well they manage to integrate it into a lower priced car will be something to watch.
On the IP front, we've got a 6,000 rpm redline, a way-too-fast speedometer, and a nice looking stitched cover to protect it from the horrible glare that this particular mule is prone to.
throwback says:
12:41 PM, 12/ 1/11
I like everything I've seen so far from the little Dodge. I hope it comes in a hatch also. that screen appears to be the same size as the one in the Charger and 300.
justinlink says:
12:42 PM, 12/ 1/11
How is a 120 mph speedometer way too fast? My wife's corolla has a 110 mph speedometer.
chemeng says:
01:46 PM, 12/ 1/11
Diesel?
rustyshacklfrd says:
02:08 PM, 12/ 1/11
The screen is definitely landscape not portrait. Definitely same (if not in size, in ratio) as in the Charger, which scored high in the JD Power survey.
rustyshacklfrd says:
02:10 PM, 12/ 1/11
@justinlink - 120 definitely not to fast. Our minivan has an overly optimistic 160 mph speedo, but 120? Been there done that in all kinds of unsuspecting cars.
alphabetfuel says:
02:35 PM, 12/ 1/11
does anyone remember the 147mph speeding ticket a man got in his 2006 Hyundai Sonata sparking the controversy as to whether a Sonata was even capable of going 147 mph.
turns out it can so i'm just glad that idiotic U.S. Government requirement that no auto speedometer be permitted to show any speed in excess of 85 mph isn't still around so people can't claim they didn't know how fast they were going.
ed124c says:
04:38 PM, 12/ 1/11
The photo seems to show about a 6,200 rpm redline, which is still pretty old (old, as in not new). Unless it's a very advanced diesel.
I am having a hard time getting my mind around the climate control nestled into the audio controls. Talk about confusing. But, I guess, the big screen uses up so much space...
sanasav says:
04:41 PM, 12/ 1/11
Am I the only one that thinks this interior's hideous and looks like something out of the 90's?
lostboyz says:
06:20 PM, 12/ 1/11
First, wtf does widescreen have anything to do with a car's center screen?
Second I do believe the charger just received the best rating for gps/touch screen control. The lower portion is just for quick changes, they are redundant buttons that you can control without looking at.
Compared to the focus and cruze center stacks, it is extremely clean looking, which used to be something you guys kept asking for, well unless it's on a dodge, then it's wrong.
look how busy the focus and cruze are respectively
http://image.motortrend.com/f/27760771+w786+ar1/2012-ford-focus-interior.jpg
http://www.thedetroitbureau.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2012-Cruze-interior-tight.jpg
I'd say dodge has knocked it out of the park on this one, based on this picture.
@ed124c, the main audio controls for the driver can be done using the steering wheel switches, one side is volume with a button to change mode, the other is seek with a button to cycle favorites. There are 3 sets of redundant controls between screen, steering wheel, and lower control panel. Just try a charger or journey, it has the same setup, best in the business right now.
blueprint1 says:
06:06 AM, 12/ 2/11
Good: traction control, and it can be turned off for deep snow.
Bad: slushbox - hopefully, stick will be available.
bodyblue says:
10:41 AM, 12/ 2/11
I with lostboyz..I think it looks nice in design if not in color. (I hate grey interior.) Dodges new interiors are close to class leading now days. An amazing turn around from just two years ago.
kplacer says:
02:44 PM, 12/ 2/11
The IP looks about as ugly as that of the Kia Optima - lots of black plastic and vent grilles that look like they belong on an industrial furnace.
bodyblue says:
08:05 AM, 12/ 5/11
kplacer you need therapy........does every single post of yours, no matter what thread it is in, have to bash Kia or hyundai? Did an Optima run over your dog or something?
2000_red_xj says:
05:08 PM, 12/ 5/11
@kplacer - that color of the ip is just preproduction parts. that color is not representative of what the production color schemes will be. they just use shiny cheap gloss plastics with a different finish for the test mules.
litewerk says:
05:24 AM, 12/ 6/11
A little surprised to hear of a dislike of gray as an interior color. My guesstimate of interior colors is that 75-80% of all interiors in all makes and models for many, many years is black or charcoal. Anything other than black or charcoal is welcome to me. Especially like tan or even brown. Something in tutone, providing color accents, always seems very classy to me.
Anxiously awaiting the full reveal of Dodge's upcoming compact sedan. I expect it to be every bit as popular as the Neon was in it's day. Maybe even more so, based on the expanded standard features and available options. Glad to see these spy shots offering a glimpse of what's to come.
dizzi says:
10:10 AM, 12/24/11
These controls are very similar to the others on Chrysler cars. They are extremly easy to use and until you actually use them ... DO NOT knock them!
Before you write, take a little time to observe the dash, you'd see that there are audio and HVAC manual controls too. So if you can't figure out what a 21 year old can, you can opt for the manual controls.... Hahaha. I actually perfer the digital, quick, easy and a better thermal read out ...
Don't knock it till you actually TRY it kids, i predict ALL vehicles will change to this. Then you'll all look back and make fun of how "OLD" the Chrysler stuff looks.
J.M.O... i could be wrong.