Buyer’s Guide: 2015 Dodge Dart

NEW FOR 2015:

-Android smartphone compatibility for Uconnect 8.4
-CD player now a standalone option in SXT, Aero, GT and Limited trims
-New standard 16-inch wheel on SXT models
-Black and red interior option available in Blacktop trim

Updates are in trim for the 2015 edition of Dodge’s compact Dart; styling and pricing are unchanged.

The line starts in SE trim, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder “Tigershark” engine making 160 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. SXT, GT and Limited models get a 2.4-litre engine good for 184 hp and 171 lb-ft, and Aero trim is the sole model to use a 1.4-litre MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 160 hp and 184 lb-ft. SE, SXT, Aero and GT models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic is optional SE, SXT and GT, and standard in Limited trim. Aero models optioned to the automatic use a different six-speed with a dual clutch setup.

Dart SE comes with standard power windows, tilt-and-telescopic steering, Uconnect 200 stereo with four speakers, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, 12-volt power outlet and auxiliary input jack, height-adjustable driver’s seat, manual six-way adjustable front seats, four-wheel disc brakes, 10 airbags, keyless entry, LED taillights, body-colour power mirrors, and body-colour grille.

SXT trim adds the 2.4-litre engine, six-speaker stereo, air conditioning, automatic headlights, body-colour door handles, electronic vehicle information centre with trip computer, floor console and sliding armrest, Bluetooth handsfree communication and streaming audio, LED “racetrack” taillights, overhead console and sunglass holder, premium cloth seats, rear-seat armrest with cupholders, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors and tire pressure monitoring.

Aero models build on the SE as well, and add a seven-inch customizable gauge display, 16-inch aluminum wheels, active grille shutters and other aerodynamic additions, air conditioning, automatic headlights, body-colour door handles, electronic vehicle information centre with trip computer, Bluetooth handsfree communication and streaming audio, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, LED “racetrack” taillights, backup camera, remote USB port, six-speaker stereo, and Uconnect 8.4 with 8.4-inch touchscreen display.

GT trim builds on SXT, and adds a seven-inch customizable gauge display, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, bright exhaust tips, intelligent keyless entry, heated steering wheel and front seats, performance gear ratios and suspension and unique engine calibration, heated side mirrors with turn signal repeaters, fog lights, remote start, remote USB port, satellite radio, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar, Uconnect 8.4 with 8.4-inch touchscreen, Nappa leather seats, and a garage door opener.

Limited models come standard with the automatic transmission, seven-inch customizable gauge display, iPod control, 17-inch wheels, active grille shutters, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, bright grille trim and door handles, fog lights, and touring suspension.