United Motors Company UMC the authorised distributer of Dodge cars in Saudi Arabia recently hosted the launch of the World’s C segment car, the All-New Dodge Neon’s, in three regions of Saudi Arabia (Riyadh, Jeddah & Khobar) with the attendee of United Motors management and area sales manager from regional office in Dubai Mr. Riaan.
After the Launch, UMC gave the chance for the media to test drive the new Dodge Neon to evaluate the performance and aerodynamic of the car.
Combining high levels of comfort, exceptional roominess and a comprehensive range of standard features and safety equipment, the all-new 2017 Dodge Neon - powered by a proven, fuel-efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox - is a new breed of compact sedan. As well as offering exceptional value for money, it brings innovation and stand-out styling to the compact sedan segment, where sameness is the norm - exactly as drivers have come to expect from Dodge.
Both bold and contemporary, the Neon features the Dodge brand’s signature cross-hair grille which is complemented by a rounded front fascia and swept back head and tail lights that echo the muscular good looks of its big brothers, the Charger and Challenger.
The interior sets new standards with the use of high quality soft feel materials with chrome highlights, the choice of a wide range of premium fabric options and LED interior lighting.
The front cabin is a fully functioning command centre, featuring FCA’s award winning U-Connect infotainment system with Bluetooth streaming - so you can stay close to your favorite people, music and places by the simple touch of easy-to-use controls (including the cruise function) mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
There are easy-to-navigate icons for the radio, climate, media and available navigation (late availability), plus additional USB ports so that you can plug in your personal devices, enjoy your favourite tunes and charge them at the same time.
For this refreshingly different compact sedan, we have stretched the interior and cargo space to the max. The Neon seats five adults in total comfort, and standard features including power windows, 6 speaker quality audio system with 220w power output, power adjustable door mirrors and remote power locks make driving a real pleasure.
The Neon’s generous 520-litre boot will swallow up plenty of luggage or the weekend shopping with space to spare and features a low sill to make loading and unloading easy. There’s also tons of storage space in the glove compartment, centre console, door pockets and on the back of the front seats plus can holders at the front and back, and a holder for your sunglasses.
The Neon is also in a class of its own when it comes to the safety and comfort of its occupants with an array of outstanding standard safety features, both passive and active.
It all starts with the modern chassis plus front McPherson struts and rear twist beam suspension that deliver a high level of comfort and driving stability. Standard features include ABS, ESC with roll over mitigation, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPM) and Hill Holder to prevent creep back on an incline. The rear camera and sensors (standard on the SXT Plus model) help when parking.
Front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger plus curtain and seat-side airbags make an important contribution to occupant safety. Add anchor points for child seats and the Neon’s safety levels go right to the top of its class.
Responsive braking from speed is of paramount importance in any car and so it is in the Neon, which delivers smooth, progressive stopping thanks to its highly efficient front disc brakes and rear drum brakes supplemented by four channel ABS, emergency brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.
But safety is not just about a strong, rigid body structure or good brakes. Smooth power delivery and handling are also of prime importance. Thanks to the proven e.torQ four-cylinder SOHC 16V 1.6-litre unit mounted up front, the Neon provides a vibration-free environment along with outstanding noise-insulation for smooth, quiet running. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and produces 110hp at 5,500 rpm with 152Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
The Neon is manufactured using approximately 80% high-strength steel in order to maximise driving dynamics and crash performance while optimising weight efficiency. Ultra high-strength steel front crash cross members also contribute to the Neon’s exceptional crash-worthiness and low weight.
The overall result is a solid, refined feel. The stiffness of the chassis minimises noise and vibration, giving occupants a feeling of safety and stability. In addition, enhanced chassis-to-body structure interfaces (i.e., suspension brackets and cradle attachments), are designed to ensure high stiffness at those points, reducing low-frequency noise in the cabin. The final effect is excellent chassis tuning, NVH isolation and durability.