2016 Dodge Dart: And Then There Were Three [News]

2016-Dodge-Dart

The news broke last week that FCA has plans to nix the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart. It was not a complete surprise as neither vehicle managed to become a sales success in the hyper-competitive segments in which they compete. Current YTD sales for the Dodge Dart, for example, are down 33% compared to last year. An apparent part of the phasing out process for the Dart is the consolidation of its models. Below is a run down of the three Darts that will remain for the remainder of the 2016 model year. All starting prices exclude destination.

SXT Sport – $17,995

The entry-level Dart comes with a 2.0L naturally-aspirated engine paired to a standard 6-speed manual, while a 6-speed automatic is available. Engine output is rated at 160 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. The list of standard equipment is extensive, reminiscent of what one might find on a vehicle costing much more just a decade ago. To spice up the SXT Sport, Dodge is offering three packages for the car. The Chrome package replaces the standard 16-inch rims with 17-inch silver aluminum wheels and includes a “bright” (Dodge’s words, not mine) grille, auto headlamps, door handles, and fog lamps. The Rallye package goes the opposite way with a black grille and surround, 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels, rear stabilizer bar, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, fog lamps, touring suspension, LED tail lamps, and floor mats. The Blacktop package is similar to the Rallye package but comes with 18-inch gloss black wheels and gloss black side mirrors, as well as a sport suspension.

Turbo – $19,495

The Dart Turbo comes with a 1.4L engine paired with, well, a turbo, and a 6-speed manual. Power is the same as in the SXT Sport but torque increases to 184 lb-ft thanks to the forced induction. Standard equipment includes a sport appearance hood, integrated dual exhaust, black headlamp bezels, a black grille surround with black crosshair, and 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels.

GT Sport – $20,995

The GT Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 184-horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission with an optional 6-speed automatic. According to a press release from Dodge, the Dart GT has an EPA fuel economy rating of up to 27 mpg highway. That’s not going to cut it when most compacts today are pushing 40 mpg on the highway. Standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, projector fog lamps, power heated exterior mirrors with courtesy lamps and integrated turn signals, 10-way power driver’s seat, Uconnect 8.4 AM/FM/MP3 radio with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, 7-inch full-color digital gauge cluster display, backup camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, TPMS, satellite radio, the sport appearance hood, altered gear ratios and engine calibration for sportier performance, 17-inch Granite Crystal aluminum wheels, integrated dual exhaust with bright tips, black fascia with black grille.

It’s a gloomy time for fans of the Dart (there have to be some, right?), but at least there’s still time to get one… and hey, they’re all offered with a manual! Check out the video below of the 2015 Dart GT’s 0-60 test for a glimpse of the 2.4L in action.

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