2013 Dodge Dart Hits the Mark in IIHS Crash Tests

NATICK, MASS. (10/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Dodge's sporty new Dart may compete in the compact-car market, but it performs above its weight when it comes to passenger protection, offering more than 60 available safety and security features. The result is a reliably safe vehicle that recently aced crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to receive a 2012 Top Safety Pick designation.

The crash-test regimen from the IIHS includes rear, side and moderate-overlap frontal impacts, as well as a rollover simulation, and scores range from a top rating of "good" to a lowest rating of "poor." The 2013 Dodge Dart earned "good" ratings across the board, reflecting the American automaker's dedication to building a compact car that buyers can feel confident driving.

"The Dodge Dart has one of the highest content ratios of high-strength steel in the industry, which is why it can take a beating without transferring the impact to its occupants," said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Dodge dealership. "The best part is that all that advanced steel also makes for a lightweight chassis, which means greater fuel efficiency and a total win-win for buyers."

Fuel economy is a growing priority for consumers amid unstable gas prices, and while the standard Dart already returns up to 36 mpg on the highway, Dodge has gone one step further with the recent arrival of its new Aero trim at dealerships. Sporting a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, the 2013 Dodge Dart Aero nets up to 41 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the segment.

As its name implies, the Aero trim helps the Dart cut through the air more efficiently. Active grille shutters, underbody aero panels and a lowered ride all improve the car's aerodynamics, while low-rolling resistance tires cut drag. The Dodge Dart Aero also employs aluminum chassis components to save weight.

While Dodge engineers may have focused on slimming down the Dart Aero, the vehicle is far from sparse in the feature category. Aero models come standard with automatic headlamps, air conditioning that flows through a micron filter to reduce allergens, power accessories, remote keyless entry and even a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. Meanwhile, a class-exclusive 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a seven-inch TFT customizable gauge cluster are also available.

"Saving at the gas pump doesn't have to equate to driving around in a bland automobile," added Gill. "The Dodge Dart offers a variety of unique looks and is fun to drive, yet it won't cost you during your weekly commute. Not to mention, the car doesn't make buyers jump through hoops to get their preferred features."

About Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:

Family-owned Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has been helping Metro West drivers find new and used Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles for the past 45 years. They also provide expert auto service and OEM Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep parts, all backed up by their friendly, professional staff. Check out their wide selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at www.brighamgillmotorcars.com, or stop by their dealership, located at 817 Worcester Road (Route 9) in Natick, Massachusetts. You can reach them by phone at 877-881-6196 or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brighamgill to get the latest Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge news.