Dodge to get Mazda5 MPV fighter?
 

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog..../rkx25-250.jpgWe've been picking up bits and pieces of Chrysler product news since Fiat laid out The Pentastar's five year plan back in November, but other than the refreshes planned for the next year we're still a way off from any solid details. Rumors have been trickling in, though, and the latest nugget comes from Motor Trend in the form of a seven-passenger MPV for the Dodge brand. The supposed people hauler would be based on a C-platform Fiat architecture to compete with the Mazda5 and the forthcoming Ford Focus C-Max.

Since Dodge is Chrysler's performance division, the five- or seven-seater would likely feature an expressive design that would convey a sportiness not found in the run-of-the-mill crossover or wagon. Powertrains could well come from Turn, Italy in the form of Fiat's efficient MultiAir engine lineup with an emphasis on sporty performance. MT says the MPV could hit showrooms in calendar year 2012.

Does a sporty MPV make sense for Dodge? We're thinking yes, considering the fact that Dodge is The Pentastar's volume brand, and a sleek people hauler would seemingly fit in the lineup a lot better than the current Grand Caravan. Click on the above image to view MT's full rendering. Fairly attractive if you ask us.


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