Dodge Hornet: an American supermini

07 February 2006

Hornet concept supermini could be produced
Power from 1.6-litre supercharged engine
Shorter than a Ford Fiesta, as wide as a Focus

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Dodge will introduce its first European-style supermini at the Geneva Motor Show this month.

Although the Hornet is officially only a concept car to mark Dodge's wide-scale introduction to European markets this summer, the people behind it are not ruling out the possibility of building a less-radical production version.

Dodge's partner companies Mitsubishi or Smart could be recruited to help make the car a showroom reality if there is sufficient interest.

The Hornet was inspired by European rally cars as well as by the Mini. It is powered by a compact, four-cylinder, 1.6-litre supercharged engine developing 170bhp and 165lb ft of pull, so it could easily take smaller power units, including turbodiesels.

With the supercharged engine under the bonnet the Hornet is good for 0-60mph in 6.7sec and a top speed of 130mph.

At just over 3.8 metres long, it is slightly larger than a Mini, but almost as wide as cars a class bigger, such as the Ford Focus. The concept car features front and rear doors which open in opposite directions, similar to those on the Mazda RX-8 coupe.

The interior can be adapted to left- or right-hand drive, while the gauges are similar to those on performance motorcycles. Slim seats make it spacious despite its compact length, and those at the rear slide and fold flat. The front passenger seat also folds in half.

There is a variety of open and closed storage spaces packed into the doors, some of which are removable. The designers envisage a series of add-on interior components to suit different lifestyles.