Last Auto Reviews Blog: The 2010 Dodge Hornet: It’s Got Soul

The 2010 Dodge Hornet: It’s Got Soul

After apparently getting dressed on the Kia Motors side of the design closet, Dodge is rapidly moving forward with their production plans for one of their newest vehicles, the Dodge Hornet. Marketing itself as a fresh, new, innovative design, the Hornet’s rear-hinged doors and absent B-pillar lend it features that are strikingly similar to those of the Kia Soul.

Although lacking the Kia Soul’s center-console mounted laptop [which I still maintain is an awesomely bad idea], the Hornet does feature an impressive dash-mounted GPS system and rear-seat tv screens mounted in the head rests. Intent on maximazing interior space, the Hornet features uniquely styled seats that fold completely flat [Reader Activity: Brainstorm lewd innuendos advertising the ample cargo space – points off if submissions include “If the Hornet’s a-rockin...].

Built on the Renault-Nissan B-car platform, the Hornet’s exterior styling is self-proclaimed to be Rallye-car inspired, attempting to bridge the gap between European practiciality and American “flair for the aggressive” [Note to Dodge Marketing Dept.: Look up “Subaru”]. Featuring a 1.6L 16-valve supercharged 4-cylinder engine, the Hornet boasts 170-hp @ 4,000 rpm and offers a pretty impressive performance considering its intended market. From 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph, Dodge intends to offer the Hornet as direct competition to the MINI Cooper. Considering the Hornet’s engine is manufactured in part by BMW, Dodge might actually be able to do just that [providing, of course, that Kia doesn’t cry “copyright infringement”].