2013 Dodge Dart is the most visible manifestation of the still-new monogamous relationship between Chrysler and Fiat, the Pentastar's savior from the depths of government-sponsored bankruptcy (or worse). If you'll recall, one of the big problems pundits, management and government officials identified with Chrysler's US lineup was its complete lack of competitive small cars. Now would be a good time to mention that Dodge had a good thing with the original Neon.
Not only did the little subcompact sell in conspicuously high numbers, it was also pretty fun to drive, especially in 150-horsepower ACR Coupe trim. In fact, so entertaining was the little two-door coupe, powered as it was by a dual-overhead-cam version of Chrysler's 2.0-liter four cylinder, that it spawned its very own racing series. Suffice it to say that the Caliber was not the answer small-car buyers were looking for. 2013 Dodge Dart Interior.
Dodge has seen fit to offer its excellent 8.4-inch Uconnect in-dash technology in the Dart, and for that, we're thankful. It's quick, intuitive and powerful, and nothing else in the compact sedan class has any infotainment tech that's anywhere near as competent. Also worth mentioning is the available seven-inch TFT gauge cluster, which offers up a slew of driver-configurable screens that include multiple speedometers, navigation information, economy readouts, vehicle information updates. 2013 Dodge Dart Engine.
Three engine options are available (or at least will be available once the delayed R/T model hits dealerships), including a standard 2.0-liter naturally aspirated mill, a 1.4-liter turbocharged and intercooled unit that leads the pack in efficiency and a 2.4-liter with 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque for those looking for the most powerful option. We drove a Dart with the standard 2.0-liter engine mated to a six-speed automatic for a week, then sampled the 1.4-liter turbo with a six-speed manual. Dodge Dart 2013.
The six-speed automatic that can be had with the base 2.0-liter engine is smooth enough that it mostly went unnoticed. Like most modern cars, the tranny's electronic brain wants to shift to the next highest gear as soon as possible for fuel-economy purposes, but that's a disease inflicting most machinery these days.Rowing through the six-speed manual gearbox isn't as fun as it should be.
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