First look: Dodge reveals Hornet

DODGE is getting down in size with its new B-segment (light car) concept car, called the Hornet, which it describes as a combination of "European sensibility" and "American flair".

The funky five-door hatch is about 650mm shorter than a Toyota Corolla but 250mm wider to enable plenty of interior room – and it looks remarkably similar to the Suzuki Swift.

The Hornet has 19-inch alloys and a gaping version of Dodge’s crosshair grille above an exposed engine intercooler.

Power comes from a supercharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine pumping out 127kW and 223Nm through the front wheels.

Utility is a strong point. Both the front passenger and rear seats fold flat into the floor and the 60/40-split rear seats can also be folded verticallyback against the hatchback to make room for tall objects. The rear seats also slide fore and aft 15cm to increase legroom or cargo space.

And the name? The Hornet borrows that from an old American Motors car.