match for the Elantra, which has garnered high praise since its introduction. Clearly intending to stand out with the Dart, Dodge has left nothing to chance in this area.

At nearly 3,200 pounds, the 2013 Dart is heavy for a compact, which contributes to the overall impression you are driving a vehicle larger than it actually is--a desirable trait. The weight issue may have contributed to the fact that the Dart equipped with the MultiAir Turbo initially failed to attain an EPA rating of 40 m.p.g. on the highway. Fear not, however: In addition to the R/T model, Dodge will introduce an "Aero" version in the third quarter that promises to offer at least 41 m.p.g. on the EPA's highway loop.

The Aero version will be aimed directly at the popular Cruze Eco, a car that in a real-world, cross-country drive last year attained 40 m.p.g. from coast to coast. It will also give Dodge ammunition to compete against other high-mileage models from Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota. On our morning drive, the MultiAir Turbo delivered 27 m.p.g. in what has to be characterized as spirited driving. (My co-driver, Bill Cawthon from the Mopar enthusiast website Allpar.com made a couple of sprints up into triple-digit territory, commenting that the Dart would hit triple-digit speeds with room to spare.)

Dodge has definitely gone from being a virtual non-participant in the compact car class to leap-frogging over the competition to a spot near the top of the class. It didn't hurt that Dodge started with the proven Giulietta platform. Still, they clearly looked beyond the current class benchmarks and aimed higher--much higher.

In many ways, the Dart has set several new class benchmarks, especially in areas that count most to buyers in this segment. A spacious interior and the ability to equip the car exactly as you want it brings a true value story to the compact segment.

The Dart's challenge is to capture buyers who leaned towards such import brands as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota in the past, or who abandoned Dodge during its struggles during the past decade. The 2013 Dart must also overcome brand perceptions of less than stellar quality. The class-leading interior will go a long way towards that all-important goal.

Bottom line... If I was looking to buy a fully equipped, $25,000 compact, would I buy the 2013 Dodge Dart? I answer that question without hesitation with a resounding YES!

Sidebar: Dodge Dart... in China

The 2013 Dodge Dart is tasked with far more than reviving the company's compact-car fortunes here in North America. In China, the world's largest auto market, the Dart will provide Fiat with a class-leading contender in the all-important compact C-segment.

The Dodge Dart will be badged as the Fiat Viaggio for the Chinese market, with production expected to start this fall at the Guangzhou Automobile Company joint-venture plant.

Beyond the Fiat front and rear bumpers and the oval grille, what's so significant about the Viaggio is that Fiat chose the Dodge version of the platform instead of the original Alfa Romeo Giulietta hatchback. This shows the confidence Fiat and Chrysler boss Sergio Marchionne, who led Chrysler's turnaround after its 2009 bankruptcy, has in the Auburn Hills team working in concert with their colleagues in Turin.

The center of gravity in the Fiat-Chrysler alliance is clearly moving stateside, as rumors continue to swirl that headquarters will ultimately move from Turin to Auburn Hills.