![]() In addition to being cool, it can also be practical. However, I would suggest that you consider it in orange. I do, however, understand that bright orange isn't for everyone, as does Dodge, who offer the Dart in eight other colors. For those reasons, I liked the Header Orange paint job on my GT tester.ĭart has a good, clean shape and color highlights it in a way that blander hues would not. And, I think that in general, bright colors work well on smaller cars. I'm a fan of the old "High Impact" hues that Chrysler first offered on their classic era muscle cars (and still do, in limited fashion, on their modern muscle). The Garmin unit has a user-friendly interface, and the oversize 8.4-inch touchscreen is easy to read and reach. Another 'fer instance - the Uconnect information and entertainment suite ($495) includes AM/FM/XM, SiriusXM traffic and travel information, and a Garmin GPS navigation system. For example, the Technology Group ($995) includes an intrusion alarm, rear park assist system, blind spot and rear cross path detection systems, automatic high beam headlamp controls, rain-sensitive wipers, HID headlights, and front/rear floor mats (not sure of the tech connection for the latter two). Liftover height is comfortably low, and the rear seats fold forward to accommodate long items.Ī re-think for 2014 results in more popular options grouped together. The trunk is usably sized, at 13.1 cubic feet. With six-footers in front, there's enough legroom behind to snugly fit six-footers too, provided that those up front can be persuaded to keep their seatbacks upright.Ĭabin storage includes a deep glove box, thin door pockets and a small, hidden storage spot under the front passenger seat cushion. Visibility for the driver is better than average, and controls are easy to reach and use. The cabin looks nicer than the typical compact in this price range. The list of GT standards includes perforated Nappa leather upholstery, heated steering wheel and front seats, soft touch trim on dash and door panels, an 8.4-inch touchscreen display with Uconnect CD/MP3/XM radio, 7-inch TFT reconfigurable dash display screen and ParkView rear backup camera. The Dart GT's interior has a well finished look. Non-GT models have most of the GT's grip and offer a smoother ride, so it depends where your priorities lie. The tradeoff is in ride quality, where more road bumps and ruts are felt in the cabin. The car has a fine grip, and corners tenaciously. In most models, it's tuned softer than its European counterpart. All Darts ride on an Alfa-Romeo based chassis. GT gets a model-specific suspension (three times fast, I dare you). I logged 24.3 mpg's overall during my test. These numbers lag the best of the compact segment. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2.4 with automatic are 22 city, 31 highway and 26 overall. Peak horsepower and torque arrive at 6,250 and 4,100 rpm, respectively - the Tigershark likes to rev. Still, they're quick enough to retain a fun factor, and holding the car in gear helps get the most out of the motor's performance. This is a conventional automatic, not a dual clutch design, so while manual shifts are possible, they aren't lightning fast. The six-speed automatic goes about its business smoothly. Engine noise is noticeable at full throttle, but less so than the other Dart engine choices and not especially loud for the compact class. Throttle tip-in is touchy, so a light foot on launch is needed to avoid wheel spin at take-off. ![]() The 0-60 time is in the high 8-second range, which is in the ball park with its compact competition. ![]() The 2.4 provides good acceleration and overall performance. As fitted on my test car, the Powertech automatic adds $1,250 to the sticker price. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, or you can opt for a six-speed automatic. The Tigershark Multiair2 engine is rated at 184 horsepower 6,250 rpm) and 171 lb. Previously the province of the GT model exclusively, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is now standard on SXT, Limited and GT models. One change from last year to this is the expanded use of the 2.4-liter Tigershark engine.
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