2013 Dodge Dart SXT 2.0. Click image to enlarge
The Dart 2.0 does have some redeeming characteristics, though. Once up to speed, it’s surprisingly quiet and offers a firm but comfortable freeway ride, with the engine revving lazily around 2,000 rpm in sixth gear at 100 km/h. The 2.0L engine features dual rotating balance shafts to smooth out engine vibrations. Handling, thanks to a fully independent suspension (front MacPherson struts/rear bi-links), a wide track, low centre of gravity and standard 225/45R-17-inch tires (Kumho Solus KH25 all-seasons on my test car) is nimble, stable and quick. The electric steering has a nice balance of steering effort and steering feel – the Dart goes where it’s pointed and tracks well on the freeway. It also has a nice tight turning circle for easy maneuvering and parking (36.5 ft.)
Braking too is above average, according to Consumer Reports’ tests. With standard four-wheel disc brakes, the Dart 2.0 stopped from 60 mph in the dry in 127 feet. The Cruze took 139 ft, Focus 141 ft, Civic 136 ft, Elantra 136 ft, Sentra 129 ft, and Mazda3 139 ft.
The above passage describes what most people want in a car of this type I suspect. A couple of seconds to 60 mph is meaningless. If your life is hanging on a couple of seconds then perhaps a revised driving attitude is required. I like the idea of a bit more weight and size wise it is also a bit larger than the others. Is it optimum in all instances...no...neither are the others.