Overview
Car enthusiasts do not usually consider compact crossovers as their thing. When people hear the word compact crossover, “everyday transport” comes up in mind. But the American carmaker Dodge totally misses out on this in regard to their upcoming Dodge Hornet. In spite of being a compact SUV, it will be the “quickest, fastest, and most powerful compact utility vehicle under $30,000“. Its based on EV system too.
Specifications
Now, let’s talk about Dodge’s special and start with the powertrain and talk about some interesting stuff. As per motor1.com, the base model of Hornet viz. Hornet GT also matchup the above quote, equipping with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This SUV is available with nine-speed automatic transmission. Able to produce an ample 265 hp of power and 295 lb-feet of torque, this crossover can achieve 0-60 in a brisk of 6.5 sec. As quick as a Mini Cooper S. And now the best thing, it will have a starting price under $30,000. Although, Dodge isn’t sharing much about its pricing.
Perhaps everybody will be looking more forward to the Hornet R/T, which is only the second plug-in-hybrid from Dodge in a decade. Company fitted this version with a 1.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine taken from the Jeep Renegade / Fiat 500X line. Whereas a 90-kilowatt electric motor helps the rear axle in working properly. A standard 15.5 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, which only takes 2.5 hours to power up again via a 7.4 kilowatt charging module. Its measured range is 35 miles when fully charged.
Hybrid
The hybrid version of Hornet works via a six-speed automatic transmission and also feature an integrated starter-generator. Its PowerShot will bring you with an ample horsepower of 285 hp with a 383 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to these it’ll find 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Dodge claims that when wheel-mounted paddle shifters and the accelerator are tugged simultaneously, the machine will yield an extra 25 horsepower for upto 15 seconds. Both the Hornet models features dynamic torque vectoring.
Interior
Dodge has also focused on the in-cabin experience, offering with a 22.6 inches of screen real estate standard. A 10.3 inch touchscreen infotainment system running Uconnect 5 is attached along with a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster replacing physical gauges. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be experienced with wireless connectivity. The Dodge Hornet definitely nails the basic specifications of a modern and crossover suite. Different themes are available for digital cluster.
Talking about other parts, Dodge is fitting Hornet R/Ts with Koni FSD dampers, a fully independent suspension at both ends. A Brembo braking package also present that includes vented discs and four-piston calipers in front. As this Hornet is closely related to the Alfa Romeo Tonale, company is claiming best-in-class body stiffness with excellent weight distribution.