When Chrysler’s fate was being tossed about in conference rooms and evening newscasts, Fiat offered a lifeline that included building Italian-engineered models flashing American badges. Fiats and Alfa Romeos would be made over into cars like the Dodge Dart with efficient turbocharged engines, tight chassis, and sexy designs honoring Italy and America. Putting that theory to the test, my partner and I snuggled into a Dart for a relaxing 500-mile weekend.

As nice as the Dart is to look at, though, my favorite part is the world’s easiest-to-use touchscreen and controls. A Barbie doll could program the nav system, change audio settings, or access climate control. What takes a steamy love session with an owner’s manual in many cars requires no instructions at all in the Dart. The competition should forget haptic feedback touchscreens, deaf voice controls, and iDials: just copy the Dart.

Interiors are the right blend of Italian flair and American machismo. The Dart’s “floating island” dash design with integrated touchscreen, analog gauges, and red lighting that traces it at night was clearly inspired by the bigger Charger. Ginormous cupholders, a glove box sized for an iPad, a USB plug for MP3 players, Bluetooth, and in-seat storage add convenience. Firmly-bolstered seats and a 10-speaker audio system are ready to rumble.

Back outside, the Dart’s cab-forward styling is clearly derived from Alfa Romeo, but an aggressive crosshair grille, 17” alloys, and 52-LED “racetrack” rear lighting channel big-brother Charger. Areas you can’t see like active grille shutters, underbody panels, and tire spats ahead of the front and rear wheels divert airflow for improved fuel economy. It’s a handsome car on which no detail was overlooked.

Sportier editions run with 160 hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines that deliver 27/39 mpg city/hwy when connected to the standard six-speed manual transmission. Choosing the turbo engine delivers no more horsepower, but ups torque from 148 lb.-ft. to 184 for livelier performance and an exhaust note that sings like Pavarotti’s Ferrari. Transmission gearing is clearly aimed at fuel economy; you have to step down to 4th gear on the highway to get it to accelerate. Fortunately, running near triple digits is no problem.

Beyond its Fiat MultiAir engine, the Dart’s Alfa Romeo-based architecture taps sweet Italy for its soul. The four-wheel independent suspension and firm steering slam corners and settle in at high speeds. I wouldn’t say it has the moves of a prancing horse, but is distinctly more playful than most competitors. For Americans, Chrysler widened and lengthened the vehicle for added interior and luggage space. The result is a car that doesn’t forget its DNA, but embraces its new home.

That’s not to say that the Dart doesn’t have its detractors. Most notably, Consumer Reports hasn’t added the Dart to its “Recommended” list and calls its exhaust “raspy”. But like Mikey not appreciating even his cereal, this means zip. The Dart isn’t perfect, but the overall excellence of the little sedan proves Fiat’s theory. It’s a good car that 98% of us would be glad to own.

The Dodge Dart starts at $15,995, but our well-equipped Rallye model reached $23,560.

2013 Dodge Dart Rallye
Five-passenger, FWD sedan
Powertrain: 160hp, 1.4-liter turbo-four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission
Suspension f/r: Ind/Ind
Wheels: 17”/17” alloy f/r
Brakes: disc/disc fr/rr with ABS
Must-have features: Alfa DNA, MPGs
Fuel economy: 27/39 mpg city/hwy
Assembly: Belvidere, IL
Base/As-tested price: $15,995/$23,560