DETROIT: DODGE DART BREAKS COVER

Dodge is (hopefully) on its way towards a spectacular resurrection. One of the central focal points of this phoenix-like rise will no doubt be the Dart, a car based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. That’s because Fiat practically owns Chrysler now. So officially the Dart has been unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

In the US where the Dart launches later this year, three engines will be available. One is a 2.0-litre Tigershark type with 118kW and 201Nm of torque, a 2.4-litre producing 135kW and 232Nm and lastly a 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder with 118kW and 250Nm. The models are fitted with either 6-speed manual or automatic ‘boxes, or a double-clutch option.

While the Dart replaces the old Chrysler Neon and the Dodge Caliber, it is also going upmarket as well. Playing in the same field as the likes of Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic and OpelAstra, the Dart will have to overcome a lot of prejudices.

Its dimensions are roughly the same as the new BMW 3 Series, that is to say 4.7 metres long, 1.8m wide, 1.5m tall and with a wheelbase of 2.7m, so quite a large car for the segment. Actually it is longer than the Giulietta itself.

So much nice stuff for buyers to benefit from; things like a 7-inch display (or an optional 8.4-inch touch screen with Uconnect), Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation among them.