The Alfa Romeo based Dodge Hornet has debuted and within a day of breaking cover, 14 000 pre-orders have already been placed putting the compact crossover in good stead for future success.
Utilising sibling relationships within the vast Stellantis portfolio, the latest compact crossover SUV to debut under the banner of the automaker conglomerate is this; the 2023 Dodge Hornet and the relationship to its Italian counterpart is unequivocal.
Related: Alfa Romeo Tonale leaked before launch and it is as pretty as we thought
Within the first 24 hours of its launch, Dodge had amassed a whopping 14 000 pre-orders for the compact crossover although many enthusiasts have lambasted the American automaker for not distinguishing it sufficiently against its Italian sibling.
The badge engineered Dodge Hornet incorporates an updated bonnet, bumpers, wheels, tailgate and vaguely different head- and tail lights to the attractive Italian design. The interior follows much the same process, with subtle tweaks here and there. Regardless, it can be expected that the majority of buyers in the SUV market wouldn’t be able to make the immediate link and this isn’t a concern for Dodge.
According to Dodge CEO Tim Kuniskis, 14 000 pre-orders have already been placed for the model that will be available in GT and R/T flavour. The former will employ a turbocharged 2,0-litre four cylinder putting out 198 kW and giving the front-wheel drive model the ability to sprint to 100 km/h in 6,5 seconds.
Dodge also claims that the Hornet will be the quickest compact crossover under $30 000 mark. Moving further up the pecking order, the R/T will make use of a hybrid system coupled to a 1,3-litre motor for a combined 213 kW of power and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6,1 seconds.
No confirmation on the markets the Hornet will be sold in has been confirmed but we can only assume that it won’t enter the same space the Tonale already competes in. Despite this, the latest compact crossover SUV from Dodge won’t make its way to our shores after the brand withdrew from our market but we can expect its Italian sibling to be announced for sale here within the next few months.
