Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Dodge Dart pricing ranges from $15,995* SE to $22,495 R/T

With the compact segment becoming ever more crowded, Dodge is getting aggressive with its new Dart. As promised, pricing on the Italian-bred sedan will start at $15,995 (*before a $795 delivery charge). That undercuts key rivals like the $16,800 Chevrolet Cruze, $16,500 Ford Focus, and $16,130 Toyota Corolla. You can still buy a Honda Civic sedan cheaper, but by only $40.

Above the base Dart are four more trim levels. However, even the $15,995 SE gets Dodge's 160-hp, 2.0-liter Tigershark four-cylinder and a six-speed manual. Occupants get 10 airbags, a seats clad in "denim" cloth, power windows, LED taillights, a CD player with MP3 hookup and projector headlights.

Anyone living in warmer climates should definitely look at the SXT, though. An extra $2,000 gets the most-appreciated feature ever: air conditioning. We can't imagine living without it, but not every competitor offers A/C on their base models. The SXT also adds 17-inch alloys, power door locks, keyless entry, split rear seat, a security system and upgraded sound system. Options include navigation (natch), backup camera, sunroof and a 506-watt sound system.

Go for the Rallye level for $18,995 if you want the Multiair turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that has more torque (184 pound-feet) but no additional horsepower. The force-fed powerplant is optional, but the Rallye's sportier body trim and wider selection of interior colors are standard.

The $19,995 Limited level adds a seven-inch "reconfigurable instrument cluster display," fog lamps, active grille shutters and premium accent stitching. Leather seats also become optional at this level.

At the top of the heap is the Dart R/T (shown above) starting at $22,495. In the third quarter of 2012, Dart buyers will be able to buy the R/T and get a 2.4-liter, Tigershark four-cylinder with 184 horses and 171 lb-ft yoked to either a six-speed manual or Autostick automatic. The R/T also comes with all the goodies on the Limited but adds 18-inch alloys, sport suspension, more aggressive front fascia, dual exhaust, unique seat leather and a heated steering wheel.

The first Dart shipments will hit dealers beginning in June.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/16/2...to-22-495-r-t/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

aggressive pricing indeed

spwolf

lol.... so its $16800 without A/C? and $19k for A/C version?

Car is actually nice... but $19k for manual is not cheap so they should not sell it as cheap car but try to show why it costs $19k.

adamls2

I can't beleive a/c is still an option in 2012.... Other than race cars and such....

-J-P-L-

Looks like Dodge will finally have a compact hit on their hands, not seen since the original Neon.

"Dart", IMO though, is a naming mistake. Still, the car should sell itself in good numbers, even with a segment as crowded as ever. Those looking for the most sport in a compact sedan, will take a long look at this car.

As for the non-standard A/C. Yeah, that is very surprising. I don't know of any other car where A/C is not standard, even in the sub-compact class. It's much more common to still have non-standard power windows/locks than no A/C.

Even in the northern states, you gotta have A/C. I'm in New England and have already been running my A/C since March.

mmarshall

Unlike some other new (and much improved) Chrysler products of note in the last couple of years, this seems to be the first Chrysler product available in the U.S. actually done on an Italian (Alfa-Romeo) platform. It has some interior and trim-hardware taken from the Chrysler parts-bin, but is otherwise a redone Alfa Giulietta.

BTW, I owned one of the last new Dodge Darts sold here in the U.S......back in 1976. Rather ho-hum car, and crudely-built, but the Slant-Six engine and Torqueflite automatic were as tough as nails.

<VENOM>

Pretty nice, looks good and the no AC does not shock me, my friend bought a 2010 Mazda 3 and the Mazda dealer had at least 50 of them with manual trans and no AC, can't believe that sells but people buy them, how they get through the humid summer here in Georgia I will never know.

SLegacy99

While I don't agree with the name, prove me wrong Dodge. Prove to me that this isn't another crappy, poorly engineered vehicle. Looks attractive and the engines choices and transmissions sounds alright too.

superchan7

Definitely priced to sell in the face of Civics and Corollas. Let's hope that the product delivers in the other aspects, because the car is definitely a looker.

I'd have thought the optional A/C would just be a marketing tool to help lower the base price. A/C-less cars might sell better in Canada.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

you still need a/c to clear foggy windows.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

funky but nifty interior

spwolf

I think car looks great inside out, its "base" price for average american is going to be around $19k though with delivery charge, A/C and AT.

It is not bad though, I just dont think they will sell 30k/month.

So it is weird they are marketing its low base price when it isnt... they should market premium features.

bagwell

I don't get the no a/c thing.....probably costs more to make a model without a/c then to make them all WITH a/c.

-J-P-L-

Unfortunately, this is how most companies work. Base models are usually never worth getting because they lack key features but the whole marketing ploy is focused on the very attractive base price.

Almost everyone then ends up buying the #2 or #3 trim line.

LexFather

I think its really an awesome effort.