Iconic Name, Better Performance: 2015 Dodge Dart sedan
Dodge introduced performance in the compact car segment with the all-new, state-of-the-art Dart four-door sedan back in 2013. The all-new Dart marked the Dodge brand’s re-entry into the compact sedan segment, hitting the bulls-eye with a modern, unmistakable Dodge design that builds upon its performance heritage while evoking emotion, efficiency and fluidity of movement.
Eye-catching exterior proportions are set off from every angle by dynamic lines and curves, along with advanced technology, to deliver class-leading aerodynamic performance. The personality-packed front view is instantly recognizable as an all-new Dodge with its tailored split-crosshair grille, projector headlamps and fog lamps and accentuated fenders. Signature Dodge full-width LED ‘racetrack’ tail lamps and class-exclusive integrated dual exhaust – both inspired by Dodge Charger – accentuate the athletic and muscular stance of this dynamic and passionate new design.
Available in SE, Aero, SXT, Limited and GT trim levels, power for the Dodge sedan is generated by three fuel-efficient, powerful, state-of-the-art four-cylinder engines: a Tigershark 2.0L engine, a 1.4L MultiAir Intercooled Turbo engine, and a Tigershark 2.4L MultiAir four cylinder engine. Torque is transferred to the street through the standard C635 six-speed manual gearbox. A dual dry clutch version (DDCT) of the C635 manual gearbox is an available option for the 1.4L MultiAir Turbo engine. The 6F24 six-speed automatic transmission is optional for the 2.0L and 2.4L Tigershark engines.
The Dart sedan is based upon a Fiat architecture adapted from the award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulietta. The Giulietta is renowned for satisfying the most demanding customers in terms of road-holding, agility and safety, with exceptional driving dynamics. The Dart leverages all of these attributes within a lengthened and widened platform delivering segment-leading levels of interior roominess.
The all-new Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) architecture underpinning the Dart is a state-of-the-art architecture with an industry-leading 68 percent of the body composed of high-strength steel, resulting in a very strong and rigid structure.
Control hardware consists of a four-wheel independent setup with MacPherson struts and coil springs over gas-charged shock absorbers upfront and a multi-link configuration with coil springs over gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. Limited and GT models add a link-type rear stabilizer bar.
Inside the passenger cabin, Dodge offers thousands of ways to personalize the Dart. Available high-tech features include class-exclusive customizable seven-inch gauge cluster, 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen, heated steering wheel and illuminated floating island bezel.
Dodge designers focused on creating a modern blend of precision craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology, exciting bursts of color and hand-sculpted shapes when designing the Dart’s interior, which is made with materials and technology typically found in more expensive vehicle segments. The Dart’s “driver-centric” layout is designed to put all controls within easy reach of the driver. Customizable displays and comfort-tuned seats are packaged in an exceptionally spacious, pleasing interior.
Thoughtful storage options are located throughout the passenger cabin. The glove box easily conceals a stowed iPad; the center console features auxiliary jacks to plug in a wide variety of electronic devices, and thoughtful, inventive storage solutions, such as console map pockets, which are perfect for storing mobile phones, receipts, or pen and paper.
Lighting in all the right places provides drivers and passengers a warm, comfortable cockpit. Available “racetrack” lighting surrounds the floating island bezel. Ambient lighting for the door handles, map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bin and illuminated cup holders is both useful and provides a warm atmosphere inside the vehicle.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.4; overall length: 183.9; width: 72.0; height: 57.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder – 160 hp at 5,500 rpm and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 2,500-4,000 rpm; 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder – 160 hp at 6,400 rpm and 148 lbs-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm; 2.4L MultiAir Tigershark four-cylinder – 184 hp at 6,250 rpm and 171 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed dual dry clutch manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.4L MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder – 28 city/41 hwy. (manual), 28 city/40 hwy. (automatic); 2.0L Tigershark four-cylinder – 25 city/36 hwy. (manual), 24 city/34 hwy. (automatic); 2.4L MultiAir Tigershark four-cylinder – SXT/Limited - 22 city/35 hwy. (manual), 23 city/35 hwy. (automatic), GT – 23 city/33 hwy. (manual), 22 city/31 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 13.1 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, front seat occupant knee airbags, rear outboard seat side-impact airbags, four wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, hill start assist, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, brake-lock differential, battery run down protection, remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, and tire pressure monitor. Aero adds automatic headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, ParkView rear backup camera, and speed-sensitive power door locks. SXT adds security alarm. Limited adds fog lamps, Garmin navigation, and Keyless Enter ‘n Go with push-button start.
Optional safety equipment includes rain-sensitive windshield wipers, SmartBeam headlamps, ParkSense rear park assist system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection system, Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps and an ultrasonic intrusion alarm.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Dodge Dart sedan starts from $16,495 for the SE upto $23,795 for the Limited. Destination charges add $9