Dodge is serious about taking on the European market. Its new C-segment Caliber five-door is designed for the Old and New Worlds, and now it has unveiled the Mini Cooperesque B-segment 2006 Dodge Hornet concept at Geneva. Strip away the concept-car excess, and you can figure a production version of the Hornet would be similar in execution to the just-launched Caliber. Aimed at Europe's hottest market segment, it's designed to go wheel-to-wheel with the Ford Fiesta, GM Corsa, and Toyota Yaris as well as the VW Polo, Renault Clio, and the new Peugeot 207.
DaimlerChrysler says that, despite rumors, the Hornet won't be assembled in China or the U.S. What's in the name? Before AMC sullied it, Hudson's Hornet coupe dominated NASCAR in the early 50s.
Talking Points
• Crossbar grille is above an exposed engine intercooler, raised hood houses a recessed functional air scoop on the driver's side.
• Engine is a 170-horsepower, 165-pound-foot, 1.6-liter, 16-valve SOHC supercharged four.
• Large, 19-inch open-section aluminum wheels are designed to show off gold brake calipers.
• Framed doors, but no B-pillars. Three-window side glass ends in wedge-shaped quarter window.
• "Blue View" tinted glass, including oversize sunroof, is designed to contrast with "Liquid Silver" exterior.
• Aluminum frame is deliberately exposed inside.
• Front-passenger bucket and 40/60-split rear seat folds for flat load bed; headrests fold forward. Rear seats also can flip rearward, flush with the tailgate sill for greatest storage behind the front seats.
• Driver's door-trim panel has a built-in first-aid kit. Driver-side rear door has a built-in beverage cooler; passenger-side rear door has a foldout table.