2012 Dodge Dart Previewed: Return Of The Phoenix For Australia?

The Dodge Dart is back.The small sedan hasn't been seen in American showrooms since the 70s, but Chrysler is bringing it back with a muscled-up new look and Alfa Romeo underpinnings. 

Teased here in a handful of close-up images ahead of next month's Detroit Auto Show, the new Dart borrows styling elements from across the Dodge range, including the new family grille design and the Charger-inspired back-end.

Chrysler says the new Dart will utilise technology borrowed from its friends at Fiat, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta's underpinnings, a selection of turbocharged MultiAir petrol engines and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

According to Fiat and Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne, the combination of its MultiAir technology and the six-speed auto will give the Dart a low fuel consumption figure of 5.8 l/100km on the combined cycle.

ZF's new nine-speed automatic will also join the range later on - news which marks one of the first confirmed applications of the new transmission in a production car. 

Australia

Will we see the new Dart on our roads?

The Australian market has had to live without the Chrysler Group's more exciting models - the Challenger, Charger and Viper in particular - but with plans to increase global sales, Fiat may push for a more impressive line-up for its Australian customers.

The Dart has a history in Australia, where it was originally offered in the form of the Dodge Phoenix. A later version of the car appeared as the Chrysler Valiant VF and VG coupe.

The all-new Dart may share little with its forebears, but it could prove a welcome offering in Australia's strong-selling small and medium car segments.