Motoring Middle East: Car news, Reviews and Buying guides

Details, prices and quick first drive of the all-new 2017 Dodge Neon

By Shahzad Sheikh

Click below for quick first drive impressions of the 2017 Dodge Neon at the launch in Dubai.

Let’s clear up a few things first: this is not a rebadged Dodge Dart, and this is not a Chrysler Neon. It is in fact an entirely new car from Dodge introduced for the Middle East and Mexico. It is actually built in Turkey and is based on the Fiat Tipo – also an all-new car that brings back a popular previous badge name from the Fiat range.

This is a car that intends to take on, and beat, the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida at their own game. As such it’s a compact and highly economical little saloon with prices starting from just AED57,000 ($15.5k) and powered by a proven 1.6-litre four-cylinder e.torQ engine based on Chrysler’s ‘Indestructible’ Tritec unit. It has 110bhp and 204lb ft of torque powering the front wheels through a 6-speed auto transmission.

There are three trim levels with the next one up coming in at AED64,000 ($17.4k) and the range-topper at AED67,000 ($18.3k). But even as standard you get a 220 Watt 6-speaker sound system, a massive 520litre boot, ABS, ESC with roll-over mitigation, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-holder, airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

On a short drive route we found that it had adequate power for the class and a pretty decent chassis and handling set-up with good poise and turn-in and a pleasingly responsive steering – in fact I’d go so far as to say this is thing has junior level ‘tuner-car’  potential like the old Honda Jazz and Civics used to have.

There’s surprisingly good interior space – an adjustable steering column helps for the long-legged like me – and the cabin is nicely appointed with decent kit especially for the mid and upper trim cars.

It would have been great to see the signature full-length rear LED taillights of its big brothers, but from the outside Dodge has done a great job giving it a strong family resemblance at the front and the side profile is nicely rounded.

Overall, a very promising and great value new entrant that brings some charm and charisma to a mostly dreary segment. We look forward to bringing you a full review on the car soon. It goes on sale at dealers next month.

2017 Dodge Neon – The Specs

Price: AED57,000 ($15.5k)
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl, 110bhp @ 5500rpm, 112lb ft @ 4500rpm
Performance: 0-100kph 11.2secs, 192kph, 6.3L/100km
Transmission:  6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Weight: 1295kg

Let us know what you think of the new 2017 Dodge Neon review below