Dodge buzzes with Hornet concept

Kind of mini-SUV stylee type car

By PH Staff / Monday, 20 February 2006 / Loading comments

Dodge Hornet concept

Dodge is set to show a concept small car on steroids at the Geneva Motor Show, which starts next week. It's said to bring "a unique blend of European sensibility regarding engine size and overall footprint with an American flare (sic) for aggressive attitude and flexible interior space."

Under that over-busy bonnet sits a 1.6-litre 16-valve supercharged four-cylinder engine putting out 170bhp and 165lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Performance for the 1,400kg machine is 6.7 seconds 0-60mph and 130mph Vmax. Design cues include a lack of B pillar and the rear doors trendily opening backwards.

According to the corporate blurb, the interior is "inspired by the look of fashion sunglasses" so all the glass is rendered in a deep blue tint.

Corporate rationale for the vehicle -- not quite a mini-SUV, not quite a standard car -- runs as follows:

"We wanted the Hornet to be dynamic, nimble, fun to drive, and have an adaptable space-efficient interior," said exterior designer Mark Moushegian. "At the same time we set out to create a vehicle with a uniquely American character to expand the image and presence of the Dodge brand in Europe and international markets, especially in the entry-level market.

"We went for a rallye-inspired look-robust, capable, and most definitely not 'cutesy.' We wanted a distinct 'edge' to the design. We especially wanted to push the envelope of interior volume. That's why the Hornet is almost as wide as a C-segment vehicle."

Plus there's a load of stuff about how the rear seats fold this way and that to provide luggage or a flat loadbed.

Will Dodge make it? "It's purely a concept, but it shows you what the Dodge brand means in terms of future products," Hausch said. Reports suggest that it's based on a VW platform -- probably the Polo -- and that the German company will star making it in its Puebla, Mexico plant for the US market late next year or the year after.

RAV4 anyone?