So, Chrysler's Northeast drive-away event for the Dart happened yesterday, and we proudly have on display now a $23k Dart Rallye 6 speed with the 1.4T. Overall, the car proves Chrysler and Fiat truly "get it" together...

Other than some noticeable turbo lag at lower RPMs (this is not the kind of car you shift at 3k and get strong performance from), the car is amazing. When the turbo spools up, the engine feels very strong and the unmistakeable turbo whistle is clear and present. Handling is crisp and tight, the ride is super-quiet and smooth. The ONLY disappointment inside is a kinda cheap feeling to the upper door panels, however I noticed the Limited model has "deluxe door panel trim," likely taking care of that issue. The inside is the strongest part of this car...imagine that from Chrysler?

Frankly, I couldn't help but think of what an SRT-4 would be like. The overall feel is that of taut sportiness. The outside is sharp, if not groundbreaking.

The only sad thing? As nice as the 200 is/was inside, the Dart blows it away. I know the 200 is going on CUSW within a year or two, and I cannot wait to see it. I am kinda sad to hear Chrysler wants to make a 5 door version of the Dart and call it the 100. To me, it cheapens Chrysler's rebounding image. Chrysler should've gotten the 4 door, and Dodge the 5 door, if they were going that way.

Regardless, this is one hot little car...A LOT more exciting than the Cruze. I hope Dodge can make a sizeable dent in the compact segment.

 

This part I'm intrested in seeing. I'd rate the 200's interior as one of the best in a sub-$30K.

Great overall first review.

 

This thread prompted me to check one out on Dodge's website. Not much information is given on the turbo engine. Will there be an SRT-4 Dart? This car looks great for a young person, especially with all of the cool gauges and stuff inside along with technology integration. They just need a coupe version that makes at least 250 HP .

 

Yes, Marchionne has confirmed as much.

"The only thing we're fighting over now is to determine how big an engine we stick in it," Marchionne is quoted as saying.

I wouldn't bet on a coupe version, but current rumor going around on the SRT is around 300 horses.

I think this is a cool little car and I hope it does well for Dodge.

 

SRT is a given, and I will be honest...if its as impressive a performance car as the Dart is a compact car in general, I may finally give up my death grip on my $$ and buy a new car. Now that I've had my IROC for a couple years, and just got my SS, I'm set with F cars (planning to keep them both permanently). I think within a few years, the Z28 may finally get the boot, along with the Wrangler.

If there was a coupe version, it would already be a forgone conclusion Still not sure how I feel about a 4 door "toy"...

 

The 200 has better overall materials, I believe. There is nothing about a 200 inside that even remotely says "cheap." The Dart is simply amazing with the "wow" and "gotta have it" factor.

That big ol' 8.4" touchscreen will do that for you The materials are better in the 200, but the design of the Dart simply trumps it. I still love the 200...don't get me wrong. But the style and impact of the Dart makes me lean towards it over the brute power of the Pentastar of the 200...and that Pentastar is simply ballsy...

 

I really like the dart. I would strongly consider getting one to replace my 2009 ford focus stripper.

 

I love the power of the 3.6L in the 200! However, can you tell me if it's normal for the transmission to shift hard? I've never owned an A6 and am not sure if it's normal or if something is wrong. It's particularly noticable on downshifts.

 

Saw this really well done/cool commercial for the Dart today:

[autostream]http://autostream.com/camaroz28/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=2679& transactionid=1342138732-7513969106&posted_by=Silverado_autoblankauto_C-10_www.camaroz28.com&youtube_video_id=gogQLQNrDds[/autostream]

 

If you gotta give Chrysler 1 thing...its their marketing. That alone has always made me want to drive one.

Of course, that's only if you're giving them 1 thing.