2015 Dodge Dart Sedan - Overview

Overview

What's New for 2015:

- SE Convenience Group option package
- Dart SXT adds new aluminum wheel design
- Blacktop package comes with black and red interior
- Uconnect 8.4 is Android compatible
- 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine meets PZEV emission standard
- Three new exterior colors
Introduction
The 2015 Dodge Dart competes against traditional compact cars but is actually rated a midsize car by EPA standards. The Dart's competitive set includes the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Models and Features
Five versions of the 2015 Dart are for sale, including the SE, SXT, Aero, Limited, and GT.

The Dart SXT adds equipment at the same time that it makes more options available. Highlights include a larger and more powerful engine, nicer interior materials, 60/40 split rear seat with a pass-through, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and air conditioning. Details include a trip computer, auto-dimming rearview mirror, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, sliding armrest cover for the center console, rear center armrest with cupholders, electronic vehicle information center, and an overhead console with a sunglasses storage container. Additionally, the audio system gains additional speakers, and the steering wheel includes audio controls. The Dart SXT also includes automatic headlights, LED racetrack-style taillights, power side mirrors, unique trim detailing, and 16-in. aluminum wheels.

The Aero trim level is based on the Dart SE, but is packaged differently from the SXT. It has most of the SXT's upgrades but includes a more fuel-efficient powertrain, active grille shutters plus chrome grille detailing, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and upgraded gauges including a tachometer and an illuminated surround. The Dart Aero also includes a Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen infotainment system with voice-command Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, a USB port, satellite radio, and a reversing camera.

The Dart GT is the sporty model, adding to the Dart SXT a sport-tuned suspension, 18-in. aluminum wheels with low-profile tires, fog lights, and dual exhaust outlets. The GT is also equipped with the same Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system found in the Dart Aero, plus leather seats, a 6-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control system, and keyless passive entry with push-button engine starting. Upgraded interior trim includes a soft-touch dashboard and nicer door panels, plus premium instrumentation with an illuminated surround, ambient cabin lighting, outside temperature gauge, compass, and a universal garage door opener.

The Dart Limited contains most of the same features as the Dart GT, swapping the 18-in. wheels for a smaller 17-in. design, ditching the sport suspension for a touring suspension with a rear stabilizer bar, and trading the standard manual gearbox for a standard automatic transmission. Additionally, the Dart Limited's exterior trim is brighter and fancier, the leather seats feature exposed stitching, and the shift knob is covered in cowhide. Navigation, SiriusXM traffic, and SiriusXM Travel Link services are also standard, along with remote engine starting, active grille shutters, and a power sunroof.

Under the Hood
A 160-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard in the Dart SE. Dart SXT, GT, and Limited trim levels are equipped with a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Choose the Dart Aero for an exclusive turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 160 horsepower.

A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard for SE, SXT, Aero, and GT Darts. The Dart Limited is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is an option for the SE, SXT, and GT. The Dart Aero is offered with an optional 6-speed automated manual gearbox.

Fuel Economy
Due to its economical, turbocharged, small-displacement engine, the Dart Aero is the most fuel-efficient version of this car, EPA-rated from 28 mpg in the city to 41 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission choice.

The most common Dart powertrain--the 2.4-liter with an automatic transmission as installed in the SXT and Limited trim levels--is just as fuel-efficient as the Dart SE's 2.0-liter/automatic combination. The latter gets 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the larger and more powerful setup returns 23 mpg city/35 mpg highway. Choose a manual gearbox and the Dart SE is more fuel-efficient (25 mpg city/35 mpg highway) while the Dart SXT is less fuel-efficient (22 mpg city/35 mpg highway).

Select the Dart GT and you can expect to get 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway with the manual gearbox and 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway with the automatic.

Safety and Technology
Depending on the trim level selected, the 2015 Dart can be upgraded with rain-sensing wipers, automatic high-beam headlights, rear park-assist sensors, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection. Additional tech-related improvements include a configurable gauge display and keyless passive entry with push-button engine starting. The Dart is also available with a Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system containing a USB port, SD card slot, and voice-activated access to Bluetooth calling and music streaming. Options for this system include a Wi-Fi hotspot connection, navigation system, and a premium sound system.

As read on: http://autos.jdpower.com/research/Dodge/Dart/2015/Sedan/index.htm