01 Mar 06
The Hornet is a front-wheel-drive subcompact built on a new platform not shared with any other Dodge model.
Shorter than the Caliber family car, also launched in Geneva, but as wide, its two-box shape makes for a long bonnet that hosts a 170bhp, 165 lb-ft supercharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The cabin is square and high-roofed, with a near-vertical tailgate to the rear, topped off with a roof spoiler.
Carrying many design cues familiar from larger Dodges such as the Ram pick-up, Nitro 4x4 or Caliber, the Hornet has a large, flat grille and air scoops, with its intercooler exposed to view between air ducts for the brakes and the foglamps. Finished off with 19" aluminium wheels, gold brake calipers, front sports bucket seats, blue-tinted glass and silver paint with bonnet and roof stripes, it is said to have been inspired by 'fashion sunglasses'.
It's not all about show, though: the cabin is designed for versatility and flexibility, with flat-folding rear passenger seats and front passenger seat. The three-person rear bench will fold either forwards or backwards to be stowed flush with the tailgate sill. Its modular dashboard design and instrument panel is said to be suitable and adaptable for either left- or right-hand drive.
The Hornet is a clear proposal for Europe (and the UK), but it's also intended for the US, where sales of dynamic-looking subcompacts are gaining momentum. It's a clear rival for Toyota's Scion xB, for example. It's obvious that Chrysler has plans for this proposal beyond the concept show car stage, especially given its ambitions for the global expansion of the Dodge brand.
However, the company has indicated that it is seeking a partner for the development and production of a B-sector model, much as it co-developed the Caliber with Mitsubishi. Although no deal is said to have been struck as yet, there have been reports that Chrysler has been in discussions with Volkswagen. The two firms have already confirmed a partnership to produce MPVs for the US market (the next-generation Voyager/Caravan/Grand Caravan and a replacement for the Sharan) and the production version of the Hornet could well have much in common with the next-generation Volkswagen Polo.
