Dodge Trims 2016 Dart Lineup, Cuts Prices

CARS.COM — Like many compact sedans, sales of the Dodge Dart have been falling. Dodge announced today that it is trimming the 2016 Dart lineup to three models from five and cutting prices in a midyear update to its compact sedan.

The new base model is the SXT Sport, which at $18,990 (all prices include the $995 destination charge) comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional. The SXT Sport is $1,400 cheaper than the SXT model it will replace, but it is $1,000 more than the current base model, the SE, which will be dropped.

Related: FCA to Cut Dodge Dart, Chrysler 200 in Shift to Pickups, Jeeps

The turbocharged Aero model will be replaced by the Dart Turbo, and its base price will be $1,600 lower at $20,490. It will use the same turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder as the Aero and have a standard six-speed manual, but the six-speed dual-clutch automatic available on the Aero will not be offered in what Dodge is calling a “save the manuals” campaign.

Dodge also is dropping the Dart Limited, so the most expensive version will be the GT Sport with a base price of $21,990. The GT Sport is $1,100 less than the current GT and will use the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder and standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic will be optional.

Production of the updated 2016 models is scheduled to begin in June, and cars will be available at dealerships later in the summer.

As with most passenger cars, Dart sales have fallen sharply this year as consumer preference for crossover SUVs gains steam. Through March, Dart sales are down 33 percent this calendar year to 16,868. During calendar 2015, Dart sales were up 4 percent to 87,392.

Dodge made no changes to the Dart lineup in the fall, when the current 2016 models rolled out.

At the recent National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas, executives from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Dodge’s parent company) told dealers that despite slow sales FCA plans to continue to offer the Dart and the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan but is looking for partners to build the next generation of those cars.

The 200 was redesigned for 2015 and shares its platform and some components with Dart, which made its debut for 2013.