I noticed a new Dart parked in front of the local dealership and stopped to check it out. After a few minute conversation with a salesman he offered to let me take it for a test drive. The car had the 1.4L MultiAir turbo and a 6 spd. manual (automatic not available with that engine at this point). After all I've read about the car I was anxious to see how it drove.
The first thing I noticed was how smooth the clutch and shifter were...very easy to drive and no "learning curve" to get used to it...very impressive. The engine was a little bit of a letdown. Despite all the hoopla I found it to be a little lethargic unless you "got into it" (I was taking it sorta easy) and spooled up the turbo. Without being "on boost" the car felt a little underpowered (but the great shifter helps with the gear rowing to compensate). I'd still rather a NA engine that doesn't require mashing the throttle to get power (I think the Cruze does it better...more transparent and less lag than this car). Ride and handling are excellent...very quiet and a good balance of supple ride and responsive handling.
The interior is a strong suit. This particular model had the (huge) 8.4 in. info. screen that included various climate/sound system functions and nav...a little complicated for the unfamiliar but nice once you're used to it (car had redundant manual climate controls). There were also some functions included on the steering wheel. The seats were comfortable (done in grey cloth)...leg/head/elbow room seemed reasonably generous and the back seat was comfortable for my 6 ft. frame. Fit and finish is first rate in this car from what i could see.
This particular bright red model stickered for $22,000 plus change and it was pretty well optioned so the pricing seems competitive (the car starts at about $18,000 according to the salesman). I'd prefer a little more engine torque (maybe the 2.4L MultiAir coming later?) but really liked the car (that 6 spd. manual trans is a must-have). If I were in the market for another car this would definitely be on my list. With the other great roll outs that they've been nailing lately I think Chrysler is definitely back!
The first thing I noticed was how smooth the clutch and shifter were...very easy to drive and no "learning curve" to get used to it...very impressive. The engine was a little bit of a letdown. Despite all the hoopla I found it to be a little lethargic unless you "got into it" (I was taking it sorta easy) and spooled up the turbo. Without being "on boost" the car felt a little underpowered (but the great shifter helps with the gear rowing to compensate). I'd still rather a NA engine that doesn't require mashing the throttle to get power (I think the Cruze does it better...more transparent and less lag than this car). Ride and handling are excellent...very quiet and a good balance of supple ride and responsive handling.
The interior is a strong suit. This particular model had the (huge) 8.4 in. info. screen that included various climate/sound system functions and nav...a little complicated for the unfamiliar but nice once you're used to it (car had redundant manual climate controls). There were also some functions included on the steering wheel. The seats were comfortable (done in grey cloth)...leg/head/elbow room seemed reasonably generous and the back seat was comfortable for my 6 ft. frame. Fit and finish is first rate in this car from what i could see.
This particular bright red model stickered for $22,000 plus change and it was pretty well optioned so the pricing seems competitive (the car starts at about $18,000 according to the salesman). I'd prefer a little more engine torque (maybe the 2.4L MultiAir coming later?) but really liked the car (that 6 spd. manual trans is a must-have). If I were in the market for another car this would definitely be on my list. With the other great roll outs that they've been nailing lately I think Chrysler is definitely back!
