Reid Bigland, president and CEO of Dodge brand, brought us the only news we're still awaiting about the 2013 Dodge Dart: The underseat storage beneath the passenger seat bottom cushion will be the most likely spot for lost Cheerio accumulation since the 1984 Caravan's seat rails.
Actually, he didn't say anything about that feature, but it exists. What he did mention is that the Dart -- a remarkably good-looking thing -- will start at $15,995 and earn 40 mpg.
See. Like we said, seat bottom storage.
Also, we've already got all the important details on the Dart's powertrain, roominess and trim levels here and here.
Bigland did mention some of the Dart's whiz-bang tech features like a downloadable smartphone app that offers its users remote starting and locking as well as handy parent/Big Brother functionality like GPS location service as well as speed and boundary notifications.
It's also got a 7-inch TFT gauge cluster and a class-leading 8.4-inch console screen for the navigation and audio system.
Other details? The Dart will be available with 10 airbags, a back-up camera, blind-spot monitoring and cross-path detection as well as 14 interior trim color combinations, 12 exterior colors and six wheel choices.
Here are the photos that tell the rest of the story.
blackdynamite1 says:
07:43 AM, 01/ 9/12
160HP and 40 mpg sounds like winning numbers (And you don't need to make a special order package, like Ford Focus)
At over 3200 lbs, it joins Chevy Cruze in the compact jellybelly contest.
But this may be the start of a new Dodge, majority owned by Fiat
BD
g35buf says:
09:11 AM, 01/ 9/12
It's a cool looking ride and having it based on a stretch Alfa platform means there is a potential for a Euro type ride/handling compromise...I've only tested the new Pentastar V6 but it was a nice engine, so if the 4 bangers are half as refined, that bodes well.
EPA listed mileage doesn't mean a lot anymore...you pretty much have to hyper mile US/Japanese/Korean nameplates to hit the EPA numbers.
Seems the Germans are the only ones that are conservative on both mileage ratings (and HP/torque ratings)...or maybe it is just my right foot doing the 'damage'?
zimtheinvader says:
09:24 AM, 01/ 9/12
in adam sandler voice "you can put your weed in there"
altimadude05 says:
09:31 AM, 01/ 9/12
Interesting bin, but does it compromise seat comfort and toe room for the back seat passenger?
I like this car a lot and hope it does well in a crowded market. However, please explain to me why I need touch screen controls for the HVAC system when the dials and buttons for the same system are four inches away?
gooney911 says:
10:40 AM, 01/ 9/12
@altimadude05 -- My 2009 Journey has the same bin inside the front passenger seat, and no one who has been in my car has commented that it made the front seat uncomfortable, or took away room in the back seat.
narenji says:
10:56 AM, 01/ 9/12
hope that the 1.4T is available w/ a manual... so many sporty small sedans dont have manual with the sportiest engine/trim. This car does look very good though... Glad to see Chrysler finally with some substance in their cars...
alpha01 says:
11:45 AM, 01/ 9/12
I'm admittedly a bit of a dork, because I love actually attainable vehicles, and I realize this is, at its core, an efficient compact sedan, but I think it's one of the most exciting cars at this year's show. It's a sign of REAL change at an automaker that needs it, and it appears to be REALLY well thought out with the actual consumer and not the bean counter in mind. I hope Dodge is really successful with this - interested to see how the MPGs and performance numbers shape up across the powertrain lineup.
litewerk says:
01:10 PM, 01/ 9/12
There is no doubt that this is gonna generate substantially increased traffic at the Dodge stores. Wow! Instead of rushing a new product to market, they seem to have taken time to get eveything right. You know, even if a (young) person can only afford the base model, look at all the content (standard features) you get. Anyway, my initial reaction is that I definitely like it. Can't wait to see these new cars up close and in person.
wrinklebump says:
01:48 AM, 01/10/12
they nailed it.