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The centerpiece of the Dart
cabin is the dashboard's bezel,
which houses an optional 7-inch TFT gauge cluster
display with light pipe surround that also
houses the optional UConnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen
multimedia center, the largest touch-screen in its
class. |
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Just a
few days after it released two teaser exterior images of
Dodge’s new Dart, the Chrysler Group has offered a peek
at its interior, as well as some further information, as
this key subcompact car continues its countdown to its
world debut at next month’s North American International
Motor Show in Detroit.
The Dart is based around an evolution of Fiat’s C-Evo
architecture, used by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. It has
all-new sheetmetal, however, and inside, the designers
have been equally sweeping in a push for differentiation
– certainly a step forward from the plethora of
lazily-rebadged Chrysler Group models that have arrived
across the Fiat Group Automobiles stable this year.
The new images – as with the those previously released –
show the top-of-the-range R/T version, so impressions
must be considered in that light. Some of the equipment
shown will also be optional. Nevertheless, despite these
qualifications, the Dart does show evidence of use of
softer-touch materials and the incorporation of
class-leading technology.
The Dart’s ‘driver-centric’ layout aims to put all
controls within easy reach of the driver. Dodge promises
customisable displays and comfort-tuned seats, as well
as the spaciousness of a mid-sized sedan, coupled to
best-in-class hip and shoulder room.
Customisation has been a key part of the Dart’s
development programme, and with 12 exterior colours, 14
interior colour and trim combinations, six wheel
options, three engine options and three transmissions,
there will be adequate permutations available to buyers.
Mopar will also offer customisation options and themed
packages specifically developed for the Dart.
The centerpiece of the Dart cabin is the dashboard’s
bezel, which houses an optional 7-inch TFT gauge cluster
display with light pipe surround that also houses the
optional UConnect Touch 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia
centre, the largest touch-screen in its class.
Effort has also been put into internal storage spaces,
says Chrysler Group. The glove box will be large enough
to conceal a stowed iPad; in addition, the center
console features auxiliary jacks, to plug in a wide
variety of electronic devices, as well as map pockets
which can also be utilised to store mobile phones,
receipts, or pens and paper.
Chrysler Group also says that much thought has been put
into creating interior lighting that chases the concept
of a warm and comfortable cockpit. There will be what it
dubs “racetrack” lighting for the surrounds of the
dashboard instrument section, while the door handles,
map pockets, foot wells, glove box, storage bins and cup
holders are all to be illuminated.
Safety was also been a criteria of the development of
the Dart. Constructed with 68 percent high-strength
steel, engineers added both active and passive safety
features, including a class-topping 10 standard airbags.
The sedan will also be the only car in its class to
offer blind spot monitoring and rear cross path
detection.
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