Chrysler Corp. LLC's Belvidere plant, a 35 minute jaunt from Elgin, is one of three automotive assembly facilities calling the Prairie State home. Opening in 1965, the Boone County mammoth structure is one of the Rockford area's largest employers. When Italian automaker Fiat took control of Chrysler in 2011, one of the first investments was to inject $700 million into the structure (skylights and all) to welcome in a new and sorely needed vehicle: the all-new 2013 model year Dodge Dart.
Prior to Darts arrival to dealers last fall, Chrysler's volume-leading Dodge division sat without an entry-level compact sedan. The Dodge/Plymouth Neon (also built in Belvidere) retired in the 2005 model year and private equity firm Cerberus contributed anemically to product investment during its pillage-and-purge tenure from 2007 to 2011.
While it's an all-new vehicle for Dodge, underpinnings bring an international flair with architecture imported from Italy via Fiat and its upscale Alpha Romeo division. The front-wheel-drive Dart is the first baby delivered from the marriage between Fiat and Chrysler. Along with Dart, the Jeep Compass and Patriot crossovers also call Belvidere their assembly home. Compass and Patriot share a platform different from that of the four-door Dart
During a plant tour in 2012, Chrysler detailed not only the dollar investment, but a 'culture change,' built upon open communication. A "Quality Gate" program, detecting and eliminating repetitive human error defects on the line while gathering resourceful data was implemented. Any perceived problem or miscue brought to attention is rewarded, not punished. Also, a 'Metrology Center' came online as well, the first in a U.S. assembly plant. Fiat introduced this 'study of measurement' concept in Europe to minimize downtime. In addition, items once outsourced, such as sunroofs, are now constructed on site at Belvidere.
Prior to the first 2013 model year Dodge Dart hitting the dealer showroom, eight-and-a-half million miles of road testing took place according to Doug Betts, Senior Vice President, Quality for Chrysler Group LLC. Beginning in July of 2012, three crews working four 10-hour/two shift days was implemented to accommodate full Dart production. The initial investment seems to have paid dividends as fit and finish of the tester were excellent.
Six Dart trim levels include SE, SXT, Aero, Rallye, Limited and GT. GT models come on-line at dealers by June of 2013. While Baskin Robbins promotes 31 flavors of ice cream, Dodge markets 1000's of ways to mix and match trims. Consumers get to choose from three engines, three transmissions, four grilles, 14 interior combinations and 12 exterior colors.
Our SXT tester was powered by a 1.4-liter in-line four cylinder turbocharged engine delivering 160 horsepower. The turbocharging process pressurizes air prior to the intake stroke via a turbine air compressor powered by recycled exhaust gasses. This highly volatile air mixes with the gas/fuel to create a bigger bang. Turbocharging maximizes engine oomph without adding additional cylinders, cylinder volume or much extra weight. This engine accepts regular, 87-octane fuel or 93-ocatane premium for enhanced performance in the 15.8-gallon tank. The turbo-charged engine is standard in Aero, while optional in SXT, and Limited.
Two additional four-cylinder engines are available. Standard in most models is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder also delivering 160 horsepower. The GT receives its own unique powertrain; a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC generating 184 ponies. The Dodge brand has yet to enter the gas-electric hybrid powertrain or all-electric sweepstakes.
All engines come with a six-speed manual transmission standard. Optional in non-turbo engines is a six-speed automatic. Our turbo tester featured six-speed automatic with dual dry clutch technology. This shifts like an automatic transmission (no foot clutch needed) with underpinnings of a manual (no torque converter), resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions. Our four-cylinder turbo with dual-clutch transmission generated 27 miles per gallon city and 37 mpg highway; average-to-above average for the segment.
Dart drives in with one of the lowest starting prices at $15,995 for the entry SE. By comparison, a 2013 Ford Focus starts at $16,200, 2013 Toyota Corolla; $16,230 and 2013 Chevy Cruze; $17,130.
The test SXT trim started at $17,995. Options included the turbo engine ($1,300) and dual-clutch transmission ($1,100) among other packages. When factoring in a $795 destination charge, the bottom line ended at $24,685. A generous 10 air bags come standard in all trims, including driver and front passenger knee bags, rear-seat side air bags and curtain air bags covering both rows.
While marketed as a compact-size product, Dart tilts towards the larger end of the spectrum as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies the vehicle as a mid-size based on generous hip, shoulder and rear-seat room. Drivers enjoy relatively high seating positions when compared with compact and even some mid-size counterparts. Generous dimensions help three adults fit In back for short jaunts. The SXT trim includes an attractive duo-tone interior with red stripping on a black seat backdrop and red highlights on side doors. Cloth seating is standard in most models sans the upcoming GT where leather-surface seats come standard.
The manually tilt-and-telescope three-spoke steering wheel includes volume and present buttons on the back side where fingers may do the walking and channel surfing. The fuel release button gets conveniently positioned knee high in the driver's door rather than a floor-bound location. The trunk release button is found under the left-side dash. One 12-volt power source resides under the ventilation system in a beveled stow region while a second inside the arm rest/storage bin joins forces with a USB port.
The wide, narrow instrument panel includes two mid-size circular analog gauges at each end with a digital message window in between. One impressive feature is under-seat storage in the passenger-side bucket seat. A small laptop computer fits nicely once the seat cushion lifts up via a manual pull strap and the cargo stowed. Second-row backrests fold down with a 60/40 split by pulling strap tabs along the side (not available in SE). A smaller, center fold-down arm rest also provides access to the cargo area.
Most trims (excluding SE) include a huge 8.4-inch four-color touch dashboard touch screen with rear-camera feed, optional Garmin navigation and detailed audio information. Most audio and ventilation functions may be operated through the touch screen or by large dials and push buttons outside and below the screen.
Dodge's quad-sections grille gets a scaled down version up front. The short deck lid in back includes an attractive extended curved end design with a gentle upswing, creating a spoiler-type look. Several unsolicited opinions favoring the design were submitted by casual observers. The trunk boasts 13.1 cubic feet of room; great for a compact, but below average in a mid-size.
Dart incorporates a sporty suspension, handling aggressive turns with minimal body lean as good as any compact competitor. The turbo engine was suspect to turbo lag, all-to-common in four-cylinder turbo engines. Turbo lag is a slight delay in 'oomph' after aggressively stepping on the accelerator pedal until the power cycles through the turbine. It's also noticeable when traveling up aggressive up-hill terrain. Larger V-6 engines largely eliminate the lag by utilizing a twin turbo design.
At A Glance
2013 Dodge Dart
Price as Tested: $24,685
Wheelbase: 106.4 inches
Overall Length: 183.9 inches
Overall Width: 72.0 inches
Overall Height: 57.7 inches
Engine: 1.4-liter in-line four cylinder
Horsepower: 160
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city; 37 mpg highway
Powertrain warranty: Five year, 100,000 miles
Assembly: Belvidere, Illinois
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