The Dodge Neon: A Flashback to Affordable Fun
The Dodge Neon was a groundbreaking compact car when it first appeared. It was known for its fun and approachable design, and its clever marketing campaign called “Hi.” resonated with the time. A generation later, Stellantis faces similar challenges – and a new Neon could be a vital step in revitalizing the company.
Stellantis currently faces financial difficulties, struggles with unions, and finds it hard to sell higher-end vehicles. Just as the Neon was crucial in the early 1990s, an affordable and simple new car is needed to attract customers back to showrooms. The Neon achieved this role in 1994.
The Dodge Neon was very popular in the mid-to-late 1990s. It was affordable, enjoyable to drive, and generally reliable. While not fuel-efficient, it offered a fun, smiling design with distinctive round headlights. The R/T and ACR versions provided even more performance, appealing to car enthusiasts.
Today, Stellantis has a car that fits this description. It’s the right size, reasonably priced, and offers modern technology – available as both a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and a fully electric vehicle (EV). It even retains some of its signature round headlights.
Lancia Ypsilon HF
| Spec | SOHC Neon | DOHC Neon | Hybrid Y | EV Y | HF Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2642 | 2642 | 2675 | 2675 | 2675 |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4366 | 4366 | 4080 | 4080 | 4080 |
| Engine Size (L) | 2.0 | 2.0 | 1.2 | NA | NA |
| HP | 132–136 | 150 | 100 | 156 | 280 |
| TQ (lb-ft) | 129–133 | 133 | 129 | 192 | 255 |
| 0–60 mph (s) | 7.6–8.5 | 7.6 | 9.3 | 8.2 | 5.6 |
| MPG (comb.)/EV range | 28 | 28 | ~50 | 425 km | 370 km |
The first-generation Neon shares similar size and performance with the modern Ypsilon, but the Ypsilon boasts significantly better emissions, technology, and safety features compared to the original Neon, which lacked things like anti-lock brakes (ABS) on its base and Highline models (though it was standard on Sport and later R/T trims).
The ultra-track-focused ACR version of the Neon had adjustable suspension, anti-sway bars, disc brakes, and a close-ratio transmission. The Lancia Ypsilon HF is a sporty compact EV with 280 HP, which originally inspired this article and debuted last week.
Consider the original 1995 Plymouth Neon launch commercial and wonder if a similar remake with a rebadged Ypsilon could be made instantly appealing to buyers in 1995 in the comments.
Original content from Electrek.
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I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility.
I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it.
That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures.
Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.”
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